By Dionne Meehan
HISTORY has repeated itself for Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty after he topped the poll in the five seater Donegal constituency with 18,898 first preference votes, securing his seat in Dáil Éireann.
Likewise, in the 2020 General Elections, the recurring poll topper secured 21,000 first preference votes.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Deputy Doherty said he is overwhelmed.
“When you see so many people cast their number one vote for you, it is a humbling experience,” Deputy Doherty said.
“I would like to thank everyone who gave their number one to me.”
In the tallies, Sinn Féin secured 42 per cent of the vote in Donegal,
“It is a testament to the work, not just that we’re doing on the ground in terms of TDs, but also our team of councillors and our activists,” Deputy Doherty continued.
“We are really blessed with some of the best activists in the country here in Donegal for Sinn Féin.”
The Gaoth Dobhair native was first elected as a TD for the old Donegal South-West constituency in 2010.
Previously, he said he never missed the opportunity to put Donegal first.
“My heart beats Donegal,” Deputy Doherty said.
“That is what motivates me.
“I love this county, I love its people and I am really honoured to be elected to represent them and I don’t take that for granted.”
Deputy Doherty said he understands the big challenges that people in the county face.
“We know the issues of defective blocks, but I try to step into their shoes,” he said.
“To be that mother with a son with additional needs and can’t find a place or the grandmother who spent the last 24 hours sitting on a hard chair in A&E, it is not acceptable.
“Our job in this election was to put forward an alternative to that in terms of the policies.
“We want to be in government.
“We think we are going to come back with more seats than we had before.
“Our job then will be to produce and provide for a government for change and I want to be part of that because that is how we deliver the solutions for the people right across this country.”
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)