Cork South Central - Cllr Chris O'LEARY

Cllr Chris O’Leary is Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central.

Chris is married to Angela and together they have three daughters and four grandchildren. He worked as project manager at the Community Development Project in Farranree on the city’s Northside until the position fell victim to government cutbacks this January. A graduate of University College Cork, he holds a diploma in Community and Social Studies and a professional degree in Youth and Community work.

Chris became a member of Cork City Council in 2002 and has held the seat since. He has consistently been one of the council's top attenders. His grandfather John Christopher Fitzpatrick had previously served as Sinn Féin member of Cork City Council in the 1920s alongside Tomás MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney.  

A proven track record of campaigning…

Cleaning up Politics

Chris has taken the lead in exposing the abuse of conference fees on Cork City Council, where one Fianna Fáil councillor claiming €15,000 last year.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Chris has consistently campaigned against anti-social behaviour and criminality in communities on Cork’s Southside. In 2004 his outspoken stance led to his house being petrol bombed by criminals.

Housing

Chris has consistently highlighted the need for more social housing provision in Cork. In June Cork Sinn Féin launched a local housing policy, “Let’s End the Wait”, offering practical solutions to the housing problem.

Chris is a member of the following groups and organisations, among others:

• Board member of the Community Workers Co-Op
• Member of the Cork Environmental Forum.
• Chair of the Cork Volunteer Centre
• SIPTU member of the Cork Council of Trade Unions
• Chairperson of the Cork Adult Education Committee of the VEC
• Member of Defending Ireland’s Communities Campaign
• Board member of Triskel Arts Centre