DONEGAL’S Pearse Doherty has moved to play down the potential political implications for Sinn Féin arising from the support given in the local elections to the 100% Redress Party.
The Gweedore man, who was first elected to the Dail in 2016, has expressed a desire for Sinn Féin and 100% redress councillors to work closely inside Donegal County Council.
“We see ourselves as a 100% party as well because we’re committed to making sure that those who have defective concrete in their homes we will be provided with 100% redress,” said Deputy Doherty.
“However, that can only happen if we’re in government. Obviously, this was not a national election but it’s sending a signal out to the government. Whether they listen or not is a different question.
“The biggest signal that could be sent out is to grow Sinn Féin because that’s what the government really fears. They don’t mind Independents being elected in different areas.
“But there’s no doubt that in the council we will be working with the 100% Redress Party because we are of a similar nature. We believe in the same thing,” he added.
Deputy Doherty has one eye on the Minister for Finance job but if the local election results were to be replicated at a General Election then those ambitions might be thwarted.
“In any election you always have the local politics at play and the geographical factors in a local election. We see a trend across the county where are vote is up. We’re delighted with that,” said the Sinn Féin finance spokesperson.
“Some of our additional seats that we were hoping to win isn’t going to come and I really feel for the candidates that didn’t get over the line on this occasion.
“I’ve fought elections that I didn’t win and at the end of the day, the people are always right. The voters have their say,” suggested a seemingly pragmatic Deputy Doherty.
“We always knew that it wasn’t going to be a landslide and a local election is very different from a General Election. You’re not electing a government. You’re looking as someone in your own area.
“We have 10 councillors in the county. We’re hoping to retain all of them but we were also trying to squeeze in an extra 1 here or there. That’s always hard,” he said.
Confirmation of a below 50% turnout in the local elections is expected later today. Pearse Doherty has rejected the notion that most people don’t really care who’s sitting in Donegal County Council.
“Just look at it. Tens-of-thousands of people across Donegal made their way to polling stations and cast their votes. That’s absolutely fantastic.
“I commend our Sinn Féin candidates but also anyone who has put their name forward. They stand up to serve their community and so deserve our respect,” concluded Deputy Doherty.
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