16 January 2016
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Julie O’Leary to represent Fine Gael in Cork North Central in General Election
Fine Gael has announced that Julie O’Leary will represent the party in the Cork North Central Constituency in the forthcoming General Election, along with Minister of State Dara Murphy TD.
Dara Murphy TD (Fine Gael/Cork North Central) is Minister of State for Data Protection and Europe. He now has a running mate in Cork North Central from his own Party of Fine Gael.
Julie O’Leary (25), who lives at Victoria Cross, is the daughter of Arthur O’Leary and Patricia Hennessey, Crossbarry.
From a farming background, she was educated at Presentation College, Bandon and University College Cork, and is a Barrister working in the areas family law, immigration law, and criminal law. She is a volunteer with the Free Legal Advice Centre held in Blackpool Community Centre.
“I am proud and honoured to be a General Election candidate for the Party,” Ms. O’Leary stated.
“Fine Gael should be commended for seeking out fresh and young female voices, while at the same time opening the door to new candidates. This also opens the door to a new conversation in Irish politics, where gender is equally and fairly represented on the election ticket.
“I am proud to represent a party that encourages change, equality and empowerment of those who genuinely want to make a difference within their local communities.
“I believe I can advance the causes that are important to me, and to people like me in my constituency, particularly youth services, unemployment and supporting older people. Jobs are central to this cause. More jobs mean less tax for working people and more revenue to provide better services.
“I was very proud when Ireland became the first country to legalise marriage equality by popular vote, and when we voted to enshrine children’s rights in the Constitution. I want to continue these social reforms and make Ireland a place where human rights and equality are respected.
“I’m running in the General Election because I believe the next Government must keep the recovery going, but must also make sure the recovery benefits everyone in society. I’ve seen how the recession has particularly impacted on younger people: Emigration, unemployment and unsustainable debt have left serious impacts on people’s lives. The last five years have been tough for everyone, but we are seeing an improvement, and the next Government must keep this going so that everyone who wants to live and work in Cork has the opportunity to do so.
“Fine Gael is doing its best to spread the benefits of recovery to as many homes as possible and I am proud to be a Party General Election candidate in Cork North Central,” she concluded.
