Senator Jerry Buttimer has been selected by Fine Gael to compete in the upcoming general election for the Cork South Central constituency. This move is on account of the party’s intent to hold onto the spot left by the ex-Tánaiste, Simon Coveney.
In 2016, Mr Buttimer lost his place in the Dáil during the general election. However, he was later voted into the Seanad and chosen as the house leader by the Taoiseach. In the 2020 general election, he failed to get elected as a candidate for the Cork South Central region for his party, yet was re-elected into the Seanad.
Mr Buttimer is slated to campaign with Fine Gael councillors Úna McCarthy and Shane O’Callaghan. Earlier this year in July, these councillors were chosen above the senator and numerous other contestants during a convention. Mr Coveney had already stated earlier that same month that he won’t be contesting again for a position in the Dáil.
Fine Gael has so far selected 67 contestants residing in 41 constituencies for the impending general election. Mr Buttimer expressed gratitude to Taoiseach Simon Harris for choosing him to compete in the next election in the constituency.
Mr. Buttimer commended Simon Harris for his renewed enthusiasm and commitment to the campaign. He remarked that he always embodied similar dedication and fervour, both in advocating for Fine Gael during elections and in standing for the inhabitants of Cork, particularly those in the Cork South-Central constituency. He added that he is driven by the desire to generate new ideas and deposit energy in both doing and accomplishing.
The expectation had been that a third contestant from Fine Gael will be included in the Cork South Central ticket to increase the party’s opportunities of claiming a second position in the five-seated constituency.