Meet the candidates: Cliona O’Halloran

Where are you from?

Cobh, Co. Cork where I live with my husband and two small children. I am running for election to Cork County Council representing the booming commuter towns of Carrigtohill, Cobh, Glounthaune, Little Island and rural areas of Carraig Na Bhfear, Knockraha, Whitechurch, Watergrasshill and surrounds. 

How did you get into politics?

In 2022, I decided I could do more meaningful work to progress climate action. I undertook a 2-year part-time professional Masters program in Sustainability in Enterprise with UCC (almost complete!), left my career as a project manager with a large multinational, became self-employed as a sustainability consultant and importantly, joined the Green Party. I didn’t anticipate to run for local election but when the opportunity came along, I knew that this was another way I could apply my skills for good.

What’s coming up on the doorsteps?

Roads dominate the conversation, particularly in Cobh where the road to and from the island, only accessible via one bridge and a car ferry is becoming more and more dangerous for motorists, cyclists and walkers due to the growing population and housing developments, even with really good public transport options. I hear a lot of misinformation about the Green Party, which can be frustrating. 

Something we would expect about you?

Friends, family & colleagues would say that I love a challenge and I'm very assertive. I'm a problem solver, and I like to find the right the people, with the right expertise and bring them together. I'm good a dealing with the task at hand, but I'm always planning ahead and thinking of the future, which is crucial in the decade that we are in. 

Something we wouldn’t expect?

I'm a self-professed Master of Wordle! I love to play to help me switch off in the evening and if you ever meet me in person, ill tell you what my secret starter word is. 

How can people support your campaign?

Any contribution to fundraising via the link below would be greatly appreciated, but I also welcome any messages of encouragement and support over the busy few months ahead.

https://donorbox.org/cliona-o-halloran-local-election-2024

To find out more about Clíona, see here.