Constituency: Cork South-West

Ms Cairns is a TD for Cork South-West, leader of the Social Democrats and the only female TD in Cork. Deputy Cairns first stood for election in 2019 because she wanted to see the community reach its full potential. Ms Cairns believes this election is about how we can do things better. She wants to help deliver a west Cork where families can thrive, businesses can flourish, and young people can see a future. The party leader wants a future with affordable homes, quality jobs, local healthcare, disability, and homecare services, plenty of childcare and school places and a thriving natural environment.

Cllr Alan Coleman says the people in Cork South-West deserve a positive voice representing them in Dáil Éireann. He claims an independent thinker is needed who can help put the resources in place to deliver the services and infrastructure required. He also believes he possesses the experience and ability to work with people to deliver on important projects for the region. Priorities for the long-serving politician include increased support for small businesses and the agricultural sector due to continued high costs and uncertainty on regulations. Another key priority is helping children with special needs and carers for the elderly. Maintaining tourism in rural areas like west Cork is also a big priority.

Deputy Collins has lived in Lowertown, Schull his entire life. His father worked for Drinagh Co-Op for 48 years and his mother was a homemaker who raised five children. Before entering politics, Michael worked with community voluntary groups for 30 years and he continues to work with the voluntary groups. After being elected in 2016, Michael created the Belfast-or-Blind bus service, improved public transport access throughout west Cork and fought to protect farmers and fishers. If re-elected, he will improve healthcare, increase housing, support farmers and fishers and expand education services. He will also seek to address the cost-of-living crisis, combat illegal immigration, fight crime, and bring young people home.

Zoe Laplaud has been selected by People Before Profit to contest the general election in the Cork South-West constituency. The 22-year-old is a native of Durrus and is a proud Gaeilgeoir. Ms Laplaud has been a committed activist for over four years and has campaigned enthusiastically on housing issues, environmental justice, Palestine, and LGBTQ+ rights during this time. The forthcoming general election represents her first time contesting an election. Ms Laplaud is looking forward to the general election: “I’m excited to be able to offer a real alternative to the people of west Cork and to propose real solutions on housing, healthcare, and the cost of living.”

Senator Tim Lombard is the current Fine Gael Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Marine. With 21 years of political experience, he has served as a senator since 2016. He has a proven track record in turning up and speaking up for families, farmers, older people, small businesses and for communities. If elected his priorities are education and championing equality of opportunity for all students including those with dyslexia and other learning differences. He also want to promote the continuation and extension of schemes which see young people able to purchase or build their own home; and to advocate for farmers on issues like nitrates derogation, VAT refunds and ash dieback.

Evie Nevin is a passionate advocate for equality and justice. She entered politics through her activism during the Repeal the Eighth Amendment campaign. As a disabled person and mother, she brings lived experience to her work, particularly in housing, healthcare, and disability rights. Ms Nevin’s key priorities include addressing the housing crisis, ensuring accessible healthcare, and promoting environmental sustainability. If elected, she aims to create a fairer future for all, where rural communities thrive, and every person has access to the services and opportunities they deserve.

Donnchadh Ó Seaghdha is a native of Skibbereen and he was previously elected to the local town council from 2004 to 2014. He has been involved in numerous organisations such as CCE, Conradh na Gaeilge, Ból Chumainn na hÉireann and the GAA. Mr Ó Seaghdha worked as a teacher with the VEC, which involved teaching through Irish and adult education, and is currently a part-time farmer and member of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers organisation. Mr Ó Seaghdha was chair of the O’Donovan Rossa Centenary Committee commemorations in 2015 when President Higgins unveiled the local monument. He is currently chair of the Kilmichael and Crossbarry Commemoration Committee. His priorities include upgrading the west Cork road network; investment in social and affordable housing; supports for farming, fishing and local businesses; and investment in hospitals, post offices and other services in rural Ireland. He also wants more incentives to stem youth emigration.

Claire O’Callaghan works and lives in west Cork with her husband and four children. She teaches English as a foreign language. As a parent and worker living in a rural community, the Sinn Féin candidate understands the need to end decades of neglect in rural Ireland to ensure that west Cork can reach its full potential and thrive. Ms O’Callaghan has the passion and determination to deliver for the people of Cork South-West and ensure their voices are heard. Her key priorities include ending the housing crisis and reforming the healthcare system. This includes delivering more GPs, out of hours doctors and resources for Bantry hospital.

Cllr Noel O’Donovan hails from near Rossmore and he attended secondary school in Dunmanway. The Fine Gael candidate who has served as a member of An Garda Síochána now works in Rosscarbery where he helps run the family grocery business. Mr O’Donovan was first co-opted to Cork County Council in 2011 and was re-elected in 2024 on the first count. He is passionate about west Cork and its community and wants to ensure the people of Cork South-West have a strong and energetic voice in Dáil Éireann. Cllr O’Donovan promises to be a new voice and a new energy for the people. His plan is to make west Cork an even better place to live and work by ensuring investment in critical infrastructure. He wants people and communities to have a greater say on the decisions that impact them.

Deborah O’Driscoll ran unsuccessfully in the recent local elections in the Bandon-Kinsale LEA. If Ms O’Driscoll is elected she wants to be a voice for the people which she feels is sorely lacking in Dáil Éireann. Ms O’Driscoll says she is against a corrupt illegal government and the woke indoctrination of children. 

John O’Leary is from Kerry Pike in Cork and lists his occupation as a businessman. He is also known as Sean O’Leary and previously ran in several constituencies in the 2020 General Election and is now listed in several constituencies this time around as well, including Cork South-West. He garnered headlines last time for canvassing from an hospital trolley and listed healthcare and homelessness among his key concerns.

Deputy O’Sullivan is the party’s spokesperson on Coastal Communities, Environment, Climate Action, and Biodiversity. A UL law graduate, he served as Mayor of County Cork and was a county councillor for 13 years, before entering the Dáil in 2020. His priorities if re-elected include the need for continued investment in Bantry Hospital and community hospitals as well as in social and affordable homes. Deputy O’Sullivan wants further investment in education, a reduction in waiting times for assessments and further supports for students with additional needs. Deputy O’Sullivan wants to see greater spending per kilometre on Cork roads, a reduction in the bureaucracy involved in agriculture and significant supports for the tourism industry.

Mairéad Ruane is a psychologist and training specialist. She is involved in community services management across homelessness, teenage pregnancies, addiction, disability and mental health services. A mother of two, she established Kind Kinsale which is an organisation that provides advocacy and training for people living in direct provision.

Mary Ryder, who has a lifelong passion for learning and active citizenship, is an adult literacy organiser in Cork ETB. Ms Ryder’s priorities include sustainable agriculture, integrated local communities, reliable transport, and accessible medical services. Ms Ryder believes that with a whole-of society lens, there can be a welcoming and forward-looking community for all. This will offer a future with sustainable homes and employment opportunities and ensure children can grow and adults can thrive.