Stephen Cunningham Source: UCC SU

CORK SINN FÉIN councillor Stephen Cunningham, one of the youngest elected representatives in the country, has thanked his family and friends for their support after being missing for almost two weeks.

Cunningham had not been seen since 18 March in the aftermath of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Having returned home, the 23-year-old has thanked those close to him for their support, and requested privacy.

“Firstly, I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and the wider public, for their expressions of support and concern,” the councillor said in a statement.

Over the last number of weeks, I have found myself feeling enormous pressure. It hasn’t been easy.

I am grateful for all those who have rallied around me.

I am now spending time with my family. I need some space and I would sincerely appreciate that my need for privacy be respected.

Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone.

Cunningham topped the poll in Cork city north east in 2014′s local elections at the age of just 21. At the time he still had two more years of college to go before graduation.

Given his youth his early election success had signalled him as well-positioned to advance within the party within the near-term.