Young SF councillor found safe and well
Sinn Fein Cork City Councillor, Stephen Cunningham, who had been reported missing earlier, has returned home safe and well.
Party sources confirmed in the last few minutes that Mr Cunningham, 23, is back with his family and that they are liaising closely with them.
They also thanked everyone who shared the various appeals on social media during the evening.
Searches which were due to get underway this morning have been stood down.
UPDATE: SF party sources confirm that #Cork Cllr Stephen Cunningham has returned home safe and well. Great news
— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) March 30, 2016
Concern is mounting for Stephen Cunningham - one of the youngest local politicians in the country - who has been missing for almost two weeks.
Gardaí in Cork are expected to issue a missing person's appeal tomorrow morning (THURS) after Mr Cunningham's family formally reported him as missing.
Friends and volunteers are also expected to meet at Sinn Fein's offices on Barracks Street at 10am to coordinate searches for the popular 23-year-old Cork city councillor and UCC student.
Mr Cunningham, who was elected to the council in 2014 to represent the city's north east ward, was last seen in the South Mall area of the city centre at around 1pm on March 18.
Gardaí are examining CCTV footage and have confirmed that they will interview those who were in his company on St Patrick's night and in later hours to establish exactly what he was wearing at the time, and to establish his last known movements.
Mr Cunningham, who is studying Government in UCC, is a resident of Mayfield and a popular member of the Ahern/Crowley cumann.
He joined Sinn Fein about six years ago and ran for election for the first time in 2014.
After topping the poll, he dismissed those who said his youth and inexperience would be a disadvantage.
“I will bring youth, enthusiasm, and a new perspective to politics," he said at the time.
“I’m bringing to the table just as much as any other candidate."
Described as confident, assured and bright, and an able political performer, Mr Cunningham made a quick impression on Cork City Council, contributing intelligently and regularly to debates on a wide range of issues.
He was very involved in the recent general election campaign, canvassing for Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O'Brien.
Mr O'Brien has asked people to spread the word that his friend is missing.
His friends have now launched a major social media campaign to raise awareness that he is missing.
