Politics is all about opinions. Soap Box gives political figures their chance to have their say on Corkpolitics.ie and gives you, the reader, your chance to tell them what you think. Read the latest article.


Do you have a story or an article you would like to contribute? Email us at news@corkpolitics.ie

June 13th2009

Odds on for defeated European candidates to secure Dáil seat

Colm Burke

Colm Burke

WHILE this week’s elections no doubt brought much heartache to the European candidates who failed to secure seats in Brussels, some may take solace in the fact that the odds are already on that they will secure seats in the next Dáil.

Despite saying that he is not planning on contesting the upcoming General Elections, Paddy Power is offering odds of 2/1 on Colm Burke being elected to the next Dáil.

Just behind Colm is Kathy Sinnott at 3/1 and sitting Senator Dan Boyle at 5/1.

Assuming her father Martin stands down, Sinn Fein’s Toireasa Ferris is odds-on at 1/3.

Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »

June 12th2009

Outgoing MEPs lick their wounds

Colm Burke

Colm Burke

Via Eurolink

The shock of unemployment is no different for a politician than it is for any other worker who loses their job, and outgoing MEPs Colm Burke and Kathy Sinnott were still reeling from the recent elections when contacted by Eurolink this week.

Despite widespread recognition as two of the most hardworking Irish MEPs, they failed to retain their seats in the European Parliament in the face of overwhelming competition from Fine Gael favourite Sean Kelly and Labour poster boy Alan Kelly.

But these workaholics are unlikely to be idle for long. “It’s hard to do nothing when you’re used to working 100 hours a week, but I wasn’t in Europe long enough to claim a pension so I’ll have to join the unemployment queue,” said Colm Burke.

The former Lord Mayor of Cork has ruled out running in the next general election, but says he may resume his legal practice part time. He’s also committed to helping Fine Gael promote the Lisbon Treaty ahead of a second referendum. Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »

June 11th2009

Colm bows out

Colm Burke

Colm Burke

FORMER MEP for Ireland South, Colm Burke  has thanked his friends and supporters in the recent election campaign.

Mr Burke who was co-opted to replaced Simon Coveney in 2007 failed to retain the seat with new Fine Gael candidate, former GAA president, Sean Kelly the only Fine Gael candidate elected.

Criticism has been levelled at the Fine Gael leadership for running a “celebrity” candidate in Ireland South where Mr Burke was widely regarded as a hard working and effective MEP.

In a statement today, Mr Burke said, “I am very disappointed that the outcome of the European Parliament election in Ireland South has not allowed me to continue the work for the constituency that I commenced in June 2007.

“What has greatly heartened me in the immediate aftermath of the election has been the support and the selfless commitment that I was given by my campaign team at all levels, by the officers and members of Fine Gael Branches and by the members of my family.
Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »

June 3rd2009

Burke says a vote for FF is an endorsement of Cowen

Colm Burke

Colm Burke

CORK based MEP and Ireland South candidate in this Friday’s European elections, Colm Burke MEP has told voters that a vote for any FF candidate this week is an endorsement of Brian Cowen.

“Voting for FF candidates Brian Crowley and Ned O’Keefe in Ireland South translates as an unequivocal backing of Brian Cowen’s atrocious performance as leader of this government and country.

Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »

June 3rd2009

FG leader urges public to vote for Burke

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny pictured with Colm Burke MEP and Sean Kelly recently.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny pictured with Colm Burke MEP and Sean Kelly recently.

FINE Gael leader, Deputy Enda Kenny has issued a letter to party members across the region urging them to give their number one vote to MEP Colm Burke in this Friday’s European elections.

In the statement from party headquarters, Deputy Kenny said that based on recent research it is clear that Fine Gael can win two seats in the European Election in Ireland South and that to achieve this voters should give their number one to Colm Burke and their number two to Sean Kelly.

Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »