Seamus McGrath selected to contest general election alongside Micheál Martin
Tánaiste Martin Councillor Fianna Cork Micheál South On To For (left) Based Are Mcgrath X Seamus Image: Fáil General Election Micheál The In Contest And Martin Carrigaline (right) Central
The councillor who got the highest first-preference vote of any candidate in the recent local elections has been selected by Fianna Fáil to run in the next general election in Cork South Central alongside Tánaiste and party leader Micheál Martin.
Carrigaline-based Seamus McGrath, 49, the leader of the Fianna Fáil group on Cork County Council, is a brother of Michael, the former finance minister who was last month appointed European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law.
Seamus, who will he hoping to retain his brother’s seat, said he was honoured to have been selected to run in the general election.
“After serving as a county councillor for 17 years, I think the time is right for me to take the next step and I will embrace the challenge with everything I’ve got,” he said. “This opportunity is possible because of Michael’s move to the EU Commission.
“Michael has given sterling service as a public representative for 25 years in various roles. I have worked very closely with him over that time and learned so much. I will do my utmost to continue his legacy of outstanding service.”
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He said there are many challenges to face head-on and he will elaborate on them over the coming days and weeks, adding: “I always felt humbled and a strong sense of responsibility to be a public representative.
“If I am privileged to be elected a TD for Cork South Central, I will do my best to serve the area as effectively as possible and to fully respect the importance of the role.”
Mr Martin, who has been a TD for the constituency since 1989, also said it was an honour for him to have been selected by the party to contest another election and he expressed his thanks to the party members, and to his family, for their support.
Cork South Central is increasing from four to five seats at this election.
The race for seats has been made even more interesting following the decision by former Fine Gael Minister Simon Coveney not to contest this election.