O’Flynn to seek nomination to run in Cork North Central in next general election

Leader Micheál Martin has laid out a strategy for Fianna Fáil to be the biggest party in the country once again, telling the Evening Echo that it would target two seats in Cork North Central, as well as Cork East, the next time out.

A former deputy Lord Mayor whose father Noel served in Cork North Central between 1997 and 2011, Cllr O’Flynn said he felt he had the pedigree to step up to the national political scene.

It remains to be seen how Mr Martin would react to Mr O’Flynn’s wish, considering their fractious relationship in the past. However, Mr O’Flynn dismissed the notion that ill-will remained, saying that the two men were currently on good terms.

He claimed he could consolidate poll-topper Billy Kelleher’s vote in Cork North Central and restore the city-county balance that had served the party well in the past two decades.

He said: “I’ve been consulting with constituents and supporters over the past few weeks and we came to the conclusion that I can do a good job for Cork North Central at national level. I come from a political background, I have a full-time constituency office as it is, and I will be looking to do so in Little Island and Bishopstown.”

It is thought that the highly-regarded councillor Tony Fitzgerald would be favourite to join Mr Kelleher on the ticket, but Cllr O’Flynn said: “I respect Tony who is a fantastic councillor but I feel I am already doing constituency work of other TDs in the area who are not doing a service for Cork North Central.

“Billy is doing a marvellous job but I feel I can serve the likes of Montenotte, Blarney, Farranree better than Dara Murphy, Mick Barry or Jonathan O’Brien.”

He claimed that he was mindful of gender balance but felt it shouldn’t deter from his ability.

He said: “I was raised by my mother, grandmother and two aunts so I have always been a feminist. I just don’t feel there is a female Fianna Fáil figure that stands out in Cork North Central.

“It should be the best person for the job, regardless of gender.”