As Sherlock departs, what next for Cork East?

Labour's Sean Sherlock celebrating with his supporters, after he was reelected in the Cork East constituency, at the count in the Mallow GAA Complex in 2020. (Picture: David Keane)

As longstanding Cork East TD Sean Sherlock announced his impending departure from politics earlier this week, accolades were paid to the Labour TD who began his career in 2007 when he was elected in that year’s general election.

The son of former TD and Senator Joe Sherlock, Sean began his political career in 2003 as a Town Councillor for Mallow and has remained in politics since.

In his statement, Mr Sherlock acknowledged that the recent redrawing of the Cork East boundary by the Electoral Commission had effected his decision, saying the scale of that change is so extensive that it caused him to reflect on his own political future.

“I have never been afraid of a political challenge and have fought difficult elections successfully. However, this time I had to weigh up the splintering of the areas I have represented and worked hard for over the last 20 years across two constituencies …. I have decided that the time is now right for me to step aside.”

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