Honore Kamegni makes history as first black man elected to Cork City Council

If you’ve been on social media over the past few months, then you’ve probably seen Honore Kamegni, one of the most enthusiastic Green candidates in the election. He has been covering every corner of Cork City South East and his hard work paid off this week as he was elected to Cork City Council.

Born in Cameroon, Honore has lived in Cork for the past 22 years and worked as a postman. His priorities for the council include increasing the supply of housing, expanding public transport and making local streets safe and welcoming to the local community.

The new councillor thanked his supporters and explained why he decided to run;

“I would like to thank all those who put their trust in me. Thanks to the Green Party for their immense support and for believing in somebody from the minority background like me. Thanks to my wife Viviane and our daughters Sonia and Paris. A big up to my ambitious and dynamic campaign team.

“In 2022, I saw a photo of the councillors in Cork City Council. Out of the 31 councillors there was not a single black person in the photo. It was not representative of the Cork population, which is diverse and multicultural. Then I said to myself that I have to do something about it. I luckily met the chair of the Green Party branch in Cork (Eoin Murphy) in that same period and he had the same project as me. I agreed to join him for the fight.

“It has been a difficult, demanding and hard-working campaign trail. For the past 14 months (since April 2023) I was canvassing, weekends and bank holidays included. I knocked on at least 15,000 doors from rural to city, because I knew that only hard work could get me in. I said to myself that I am a new candidate and I have to know the people I am representing, and they should know me as well.

“I gave myself the challenge to change Cork City Council and I am proud to be able to achieve this goal. I want my election after 12 counts last Sunday to serve as a pathway for the future generation. I feel great about this achievement.

“I got horrible, horrible stuff online, but I didn't let it distract me from my campaign. I just ignored them and kept on focusing on my campaign. No need to interact with these people. I don't know them and they might be living in China, USA, France, Australia, England, etc. I spoke to the real people at the doorsteps and they were very supportive and encouraging. They are different.

“I met and talked to lots of wonderful residents on my journey out canvassing. I got their feedback and noted their issues. I will continue to work very hard to serve them as I did for 14 years as their postman. Climate crisis is still a threat to us and the Green agenda must be a priority.

“My heart goes out to every candidate who did not get in this time. We all worked very hard, and you deserve to be elected. I believe that you will come back stronger. Congratulations to all those who were successful and I am honoured to have Dan Boyle and Oliver Moran as colleagues from whom I will learn fast.

Up the GREEN PARTY!”