Some might say they're putting all their eggs in one basket but Labour might respond 'If it's not broken why fix it?' in opting for just the one candidate to contest the local elections next year for the Fermoy Electoral Area. That person being, of course, sitting councillor Noel McCarthy.

The fact that he's considered a worker, likeable and a safe pair of hands came across loud and clear at the party's selection convention in The Wagon Tavern on Monday evening. With the party having shown a rare three point increase in a weekend poll, the mood was upbeat anyway with a 'can do' attitude prevailing. 

Everyone who spoke pointed to Noel's record of hard work on behalf of constituents. There was even something this reporter had never seen before at a selection convention. A woman travelled from Rathcormac to stand up at the convention and pay tribute to Noel, thanking him for helping her to secure housing at a time some years ago when she was very ill. "Without him I don't know where I'd be," she said simply and emotionally before promptly took her seat again.

At the outset, Minister Sean Sherlock informed the convention, that it had been decided by the party that one candidate would be put forward, uncontested and that person was declared to be Noel McCarthy. He'd been nominated by Cllr Tadhg O'Donovan and seconded by Mitchelstown member John Fitzgerald.

Noel McCarthy said it was a great honour to have been selected. "It's going to be a very difficult election this time. The last time we had the wind at our backs, we've a gale in front of us this time," he said, adding: "But that's the challenge we took on."

He said it was about doing the work on the ground and he thought he had done that. He thought he and Minister Sherlock's office had worked well together and he also enjoyed the support of his colleague, Town Councillor Tadhg O'Donovan. He felt he had given his best to people in the four and a half years since he was first elected "So hopefully when we go to the doors people will recognise that. The last time I wasn't known, this time I have my record to go on."

While he has become well known in Fermoy and surrounding areas, he hopes people in Doneraile and Charleville will have heard of him and his work record. He said he liked being on Cork County Council. "I like what I do," he stressed.

Noel thanked his partner Sharon for her support and mentioned his delight that his father Paddy, a Labour party member for 57 years, was present as was his brother Tom and his brother in law Mark Roche. "The Labour Party is in my heart. Alright, we might be making a few mistakes, but we are doing a lot right," he said. He thanked people for attending, saying "It means a lot to me."

Chairman of the Constituency Council, Donal Hennessy, said himself and Noel went back a long way and it was no surprise to him that he got elected the last time. "It is courageous to go back again and seek election. You are well liked and respected and you speak with authority," he told him. He too said it was going to be "A tough campaign." He wished him well and pledged his support.

Noel's father Paddy said it was his great pleasure to see his son nominated. "I've had bad and good times with the Labour party," he said, outlining its mixed fortunes over the years. But, he'd told Noel once "Never change your colours."

Cllr Tadhg O'Donovan, who is to be Noel's Director of Elections, said it was action that it would do it from there, proving how sincere he was. "You couldn't find a better time to fight elections. Noel has built up a multiplicity of qualities. He's known as 'Mr. Nice Guy' and is a bit of a diplomat. His word is his bond. He will fight for all people," he said.

He'd been asked once why he was always with Noel. What did he see in him? His reply to that person was to explain that when Noel came to him, "He opened his ears. You opened your mouth. He listened and learned. Two qualities, honesty and a willingness to learn is what has stood to him. Nothing goes to his head." There was "No earthly reason" he said, why they shouldn't take the poll at next year's elections.

Glanmire based councillor, Noel Costello, said he had no doubt but that Noel would get elected as he'd seen the work he does on the ground. "His work rate is second to none. He "absolutely deserved" to get a seat.

John Fitzgerald said Noel had been all over the region working for people since he was elected. "I've no doubt in the world you will get elected," he told him, assuring him of his help and support.

Minister Sherlock said Noel's strongest point was his ability to connect with people. His natural empathy with people drives him on. It's an ethos that drives the Labour party, he said, continuing from one generation to the next. "But people have already killed us off. What we are seeing tonight is an energy. Noel is so right. The next election will be about local issues and there's no-one better able than Noel to work on local issues. I am confident we have the best candidate in the field."

They don't pretend to know it all, the Minister said, and if they can't do something for someone they will say so. "Local clubs have flourished under Noel McCarthy. Local groups have benefited from having him involved. He has come to me for advice. I've gone to him for advice. We've had our differences of opinion but that's what it's about. I'm delighted Noel has put himself forward, has stayed the course. It's that ethos of continuity, that longevity of service. He has fire in his belly."

He pointed out that Noel even had a meeting scheduled for straight after the convention, testament to his level of commitment and his work record.

Local community activist Joe Tobin says afterwards he backed Noel 100%. "I think he will make it. He always  supported me as a community activist and, if he couldn't do something for you would say so."

blog comments powered by Disqus