Fine Gael has announced that Cllr John Paul O’Shea has joined the party in Cork. Cllr O’Shea has been an elected representative on Cork County Council since May 2009. He was subsequently re-elected to the local authority in May 2014 representing the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District.
Speaking after the announcement Cllr O’Shea said: “I am delighted and honoured to join Fine Gael and in particular my local branch of the Party in Glantane. “I am looking forward to working with the entire membership of Fine Gael in assisting to address the issues and challenges faced by the people of the area throughout the District. I am also looking forward to ensuring the entire District will reap the rewards it deserves as we now enter more positive economic times. “Fine Gael has a proud tradition of public service in Cork and the party is the ideal fit for me to continue the work I do in my community. Becoming part of a large Party who have the country’s prosperity as it’s number one priority will allow me to have an increased impact as I continue to represent and deliver for my constituents.
“The country is now reaching full employment again, we have the fastest growing economy in Europe and we are seeing our family and friends returning back home to live and work in Cork. I want to ensure that this progress is not undone and I will work hard to represent the people of North Cork within Fine Gael.”
Cllr O’Shea works for the Mental Health Services in the Cork Kerry Community Healthcare of the HSE. Outside of politics he is also an active member of a number of community and voluntary boards/groups such as Cork Sports Partnership, Blackwater Therapy Services and Laharn Community Action Group CLG. He is also a member of the Boards of Management in Glantane National School and Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk and a trustee of the Dromahane Community Park Group.
Concluding, Cllr O’ Shea said “I will be working alongside my colleague Cllr Gerard Murphy who is based in the Newmarket area. Together I believe we can advance the District economically, socially and culturally over the coming term of Council. I will also be liaising with the three Fine Gael TDs covering the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District, namely Minister Michael Creed, TD (Cork North West); Dara Murphy, TD (Cork North Central); and Minister David Stanton, TD (Cork East) to ensure any issues that may arise from a national context are brought to their attention and addressed as soon as is possible.”