On September 22nd 2006 , 1100 Fine Gael delegates gathered at the Parkway Hotel Dunmanway to democratically select two candidates to contest the General Election of 2007 on behalf of the Fine Gael party in this constituency of Cork South West.

I, P.J Sheehan was selected as one of the candidates, and after a thorough campaign and enjoyable canvas of my allocation of the Cork South West Constituency I proved a true comeback king by winning back the seat I lost by a handful of votes in the 2002 General Election. Your No. 1 vote on polling day ensured that the vast experience of a man, who is in tune with the needs of you his constituents, will now do his very best to restore the quality of service that you deserve.

Along with serving you as a member of Cork County Council since 1967, I have also had the honour of serving as one of your Dail Deputy's from 1981 - 2002. During this period I was appointed Spokesperson on Disadvantaged Areas 1990 - 1993, Port Development, Safety and Inland Waterways 1993 - 1994.

I served as a member of the Dail Select Committee on Enterprise and Economic Strategy, the Dail Committee on Sustainable Development, and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Small Businesses.

In January 1995, the then Taoiseach, John Bruton TD, appointed me as convener of that committee.

From June 2000 to February 2001 I served as Fine Gaels Junior Spokesperson on Agriculture - Livestock Breeding and Horticulture.

I am also a lifelong member of the Irish Farmers Association.

During my enforced sabbatical, due to the narrow loss of my Dail seat in 2002, I contested the 2004 Local Elections for the Bantry Electoral area, where I retained my seat on the Council heading the poll. On my return to Dail Eireann in 2007 sadly I had to vacate that seat, but I am delighted it remains in the Sheehan name, and it is now occupied by son Cllr. Dermot Sheehan

From June 2004 - June 2005 I had the privilege to serve as Mayor of Cork County. This was without a doubt the highlight of my political career. It was a real honour for me and now my victory in the 2007 General Election is the icing on the cake of political life for me.

Having regained my Dail Eireann seat I am now looking forward to representing the people of West Cork irrespective of class, creed or political affiliation. Since my return I have been appointed Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with special responsibility for Forestry.