Trinity student James O’Connor, who was elected to Cork County Council in May, has announced that he will stand for his party, Fianna Fail, in the upcoming February 8 general election in the constituency of Cork East.
O’Connor is a Fourth Year Business, Economics and Social Studies student.
Making the announcement on Facebook, O’Connor said that since his election as a Councillor he had been “working hard”, “fulfilling promises”, and “achieving progress in many areas”, and now wants “to do the same in Dáil Éireann”.
O’Connor said the Cork East constituency had “great potential” but had been “left behind” by “narrow political agendas”, and “has not been provided with its fair share of support from our Government”.
O’Connor cited his youth, calling for a “new generation of political representatives to take responsibility for the future of our community”.
The 22-year-old is the co-founder and Editor of Trinity Business Review (TBR), established in 2018. O’Connor has also worked for several members of the Dáil. He interned with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’Callaghan. He also worked for the Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor of Fine Gael on the issue of consent.
At the forefront of his message O’Connor has put delivering resources to his constituency, promising to deliver investment for “education, health facilities, transport infrastructure and housing” as well as brining “drive, positive energy and determination to Leinster House”.
O’Connor has put out a call for volunteers for his campaign, saying that he requires “canvassers, drivers, people to help with the distribution of leaflets and help with putting up posters”.
The upcoming general election, which will be held on February 8, was announced this afternoon by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, following the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil by President Michael D Higgins.
Other Trinity students and recent graduates running include Tate Donnelly and Rob O’Donnell for the Green Party and Conchúir Ó Radaigh for People Before Profit.
