Green Party candidate: ‘I would bring back West Cork Railway'

THE Green Party says its candidate will ‘bring back the West Cork Railway’ if elected in Cork South West.

Having announced its candidates for Cork South West and North West, the party named Johnny O’Mahony, based in Douglas in Cork City, to represent the Cork South West constituency in the upcoming General Election.

Johnny (55) is a campaigner for social justice, including a fairer social welfare system. He has been an active member of the Green Party for several years and has been involved in the Cork Environmental Forum. 

Although currently unemployed, Johnny is well known in Cork through his career as a bookseller and barman, and he has set up various sports clubs. Johnny is a keen cyclist and sea-swimmer. He has cycled the length of France and also enjoys sailing. He is also a graduate of UCC, having completed a B Comm in 1982. 

‘I’m passionate about the Green agenda and its ability to address the challenges of modern Ireland, including climate change, sustainable economics and the democratic deficit. I plan to bring back the West Cork Railway and introduce volunteer community groups to increase security in rural areas. I want to involve more ordinary people in politics. I will work to get people talking about politics and the kind of county and country they want.’

Johnny also said that, if elected, he would ‘work tirelessly’ to ensure the urgent issues of flood relief and prevention remain visible ‘as the spring turns to summer’ while also continuing to pursue the less urgent but equally important issues in the hope of preventing future similar crises, ‘rather than just cleaning up afterwards.’

‘A vote for Johnny O’Mahony is a vote for a voice in the Dáil which will challenge the status quo and continually agitate for real action to address the concerns of Cork South West,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Cormac Manning will run in Cork North West. Cormac, 23, who grew up in Ballincollig, attended Scoil Barra and Ballincollig Community School, and recently graduated with a degree in Law and Irish from UCC.

In the Dáil, his first priority would be to ensure a balanced economic recovery which serves ‘all our citizens’, not just those at the top or those in Dublin, he said. He would also fight hard for ‘practical green measures to improve people’s lives, such as real support for public transport’. 

Taking action on climate change will reduce the frequency and intensity of flooding in Ireland and abroad, he added.

‘Other priorities include retro-fitting insulation schemes to cut fuel bills and emissions, create jobs, and create warmer homes for our families,’ the candidate told The Southern Star.

Cormac also strongly supports community-owned renewable energy co-ops, transferring control and profits from developers to local communities. He has worked in a range of areas, including solicitors’ offices, coláiste samhraidh, various UCC societies, and the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. More information can be found at cormacmanning.ie.