by Louise Doyle
GLENSWILLY independent candidate in the forthcoming general election Frank O’Donnell has moved to reassure constituents that he remains in the race, after he was mistakenly excluded on RTE Six One news last night.
RTE’s north west correspondent Shane Ó Curraighín reported from Letterkenny Public Service’s Centre, providing a round-up of Donegal candidates contesting the election.
Editor of this newspaper, Diarmaid Doherty was interviewed by Mr Ó Curraighín as part of the bulletin.
The bulletin included a segment showing a number of Donegal candidates canvassing households locally.
This was followed by a selection of photographs of candidates who did not feature in the canvassing segment. But Mr O’Donnell’s photograph was not included.
Speaking to the Donegal News today, Mr O’Donnell said he was “very disappointed” to have been left out of the election line-up feature on the news bulletin.
“I was very disappointed. To have the national broadcaster here in Donegal, and not to have been included in the election round up was very disappointing. My director of elections has been in touch with RTÉ, and I have also sent a personal email.
“My phone hasn’t stopped since, with people contacting me asking if I have dropped out of the election race. I want to reassure my constituents that I am still contesting the general election.”
Mr O’Donnell, a father-of-four, and a grandfather of four, is a native of Rathmullan, and has resided in Letterkenny for 41 years. He is a former employee of Unifi and Letterkenny University Hospital.
He wants to be a strong voice for Donegal, with policies including health, housing, fisheries, infrastructure, tourism, farming, infrastructure and a review of childcare costs.
On health, Mr O’Donnell said his focus will be on waiting lists for patients in accident and emergency in Letterkenny and mental health services.
He also wants to tackle social housing waiting lists and the defective concrete block scandal.
On the farming front, Mr O’Donnell wants to see Donegal dairy and beef farmers who have signed up to the Origin Green Programme, receive recognition by stopping imports of beef products with no traceability, for example, Brazilian beef.
“I am asking for your number one vote or your highest preference so I can be your strong voice in Dáil Éireann for Donegal.”
Mr O’Donnell can be contacted by emailing frankodonnell@hotmail.com or telephone 0892236537
