About Me

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to view my web-site.

Hopefully, you will continue to check in to keep informed of my work on behalf of the people who elected me. I would encourage you all to follow me on twitter, or facebook to make it easier to stay in touch.

Well, here I am and its approximately two years since I was relected to Cork County Council on the Fine Gael ticket. It has been an interesting journey to see how the parties differ from each other. It was a very difficult decision to make the change and as I look at the picture with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny (before he became Taoiseach) I can only think back to the time and how I wondered if it was the right decision.

The night before I sat up most of the night reflecting on events which lead up to my deciding to join Fine Gael, going over all aspects, asking myself if my decision was true to myself and my values and only then, when I was satisfied with my answers, did I rest. One of the many questions I had at the time was could I ‘sell’ Fine Gael policies? In short did I believe they were right, just and fair for the people of my constituency and Ireland, for the future. My answers were all in the affirmative. I still hold that view today and I believe I made the right decision.

I’m pleased to say that I still retain friendships with many of my ex colleagues whom I believe were not best served by their broad leadership. I am thankful for the hand of friendship extended by all sides in my new party, though I know that (some) may have been discomfitted somewhat.

We have just been through two interesting years, a local election, a general election and a Seanad election, all hotly contested. This is a good sign for the country. Politics in my view is a very worthwhile career though as the saying goes it is or can be ‘a dirty game’. Truth and honesty do not always trip lightly off some tongues, but then this comes down to personal responsability I guess. I believe that politics and democracy can only be enhanced by having a broad representation and I have worked hard to help people understand the workings of the political system and encourage an ethos of inclusion and integrity. Perhaps Fine Gael’s reform package will assist in that.

I grew up in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, the eldest of six (maiden name Finn) and after the usual schooling had a brief spell in Aer Lingus and then the Bank of Ireland. I retain many happy memories of my time in Midleton, Listowel and Cork and the wonderful colleagues and friends I met along the way.

In 1999 after about ten years of helping canvass at various elections, I was asked to put my name forward for the Local Elections for the Carrigaline Constituency and was elected first time out. I wish to thank the people for giving me the opportunity for the past ten fulfilling years filled with variety, challenge, experience and enjoyment at meeting so many people from a wide variety of backgrounds and diversity of needs.

There are very few women in politics (a fact I try to impress on Transition Year Students when I am asked to speak to them) and I believe that women bring a fresh perspective to all issues which can only enhance the quality of life of our citizens.

COMMITTEES SERVED
Cork County Council

• Attend full Council meetings where any issue that effects citizens can be tabled and debated.
• Area Roads Committee (issues pertaining to roads, footpaths, lighting, litter or any issues affecting people on the ground)
• Divisional
• Housing and Sanitation
• Housing issues eg Cemeteries
• Water and Sewerage
• S.P.C. (Strategic Policy Committees) – drawing up policies in relation to taking charge of housing estates
• Recreation and Amenity policies
• Infrastructure
• Housing (points system)
• European Affairs
• Exchange of views, policies, visiting sites of mutual interest with other countries ie environmental issues, sustainable developments, energy saving

Community

• Chairperson of Maryborough residents association
• Chairperson and founding member of D.A.T.A.S. (Douglas Active Teenagers & Seniors) incorporating Douglas Young at Heart run by Phil Goodman and Douglas Youth Action run by Sonia Coakley

Other

• Member of Soroptimists (worldwide organisation for women in management)
• Director of S.E.C.A.D. (South & East Cork Area Development)
• Member of Network Cork

I have also served on the governing body of U.C.C., their joint student Board and staff committees

I have worked extremely hard over the past ten years to make a difference to the lives of my constituents. I successfully ensured that the County Development Plan contains a wording which will guarantee that any major development proposal which comes before Council for the greater Douglas area will contain proposals which meet the Recreation Amenity and Community needs of the people.

Currently my top priorities are:

• Traffic Calming Scheme for Rochestown Road from Fingerpost to Rochestown Inn.
• Upgrade various areas of Clarkes Hill including junction with Maryborough Hill.
• Continue to push for conclusion of Green Route on Maryborough Hill and Donnybrook Hill (I have over 100 representations and motions to Council on this issue which was successfully passed at Council last Christmas.
• Carrigaline Inner Relief Road
• Guide the refurbishment of unit for DATAS which will bring many happy hours for our senior citizens and for the Young People of DYA under the guiding eye ofForoige.    The Youth Cafe is to have its grand opening in June 2011 and we have many more plans for the unit.
• Continued growth potential f economic drivers of Airport and Ringaskiddy.

Deirdre.