By Dionne Meehan
AS speculation continues as to when the government will call the next General Election, parties and independent candidates in Donegal are moving forward with candidate selection in anticipation of it happening before the end of this year.
Aontú’s Mary T. Sweeney is the latest candidate to launch her General Election campaign.
Almost securing victory in the recent Council Elections has boosted Ms Sweeney’s goal of representing Donegal in the Dail.
“Aontú has given me the opportunity to provide a voice for those deserted by the main establishment parties of FF, FG and SF who offer nothing for Donegal,” said Ms Sweeney.
The well-known Letterkenny activist laid out her priorities as she sets out on the campaign trail: “We need to address the growing chasm between the lives of the people in Donegal from an increasingly detached Dublin government on the bread and butter issues of Housing, Health, Education and Immigration.
“I am deeply angered by this government’s incompetence.
“Aontú is committed to ensuring that rural counties such as Donegal are no longer “forgotten” and disregarded by a small political clique who are out of touch with what matters to people outside the wine bars of Dublin 4.”
Meanwhile, Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, confirmed that he will run for re-election in the upcoming general election at the weekend.
Deputy Pringle said: “As an independent, I’ve always put people first, not party.
“Putting people first means a 100% redress scheme for people affected by defective blocks that prioritise righting the wrongs done to people over cost.
“It means childcare and health services that are available to everyone.
“It means ensuring that people have a right to affordable and accessible housing.
“That’s what the people deserve, rather than a government that puts the interests of business first,” he said.
The deputy confirmed his decision last Saturday at a well-attended meeting with supporters in Killybegs.
Sinn Féin Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty confirmed they will also be running for re-election in the upcoming General Election.
The Sinn Féin convention took place last Thursday evening at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.
Speaking at the event, Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “People in Donegal have a choice to make at this election: Do they choose a government that has neglected this county for the longest time, or do they vote for real and positive change? That is the question that will be put to people.”
Teachta Doherty added: “Over the last five years I’ve never missed the opportunity to put Donegal first.
“Over the next five years I want to be part of leading government – not arguing – but rather delivering for Donegal.
“Delivering for those who need reform of our health service, delivering houses for workers and families, delivering for those affected by defective blocks, delivering for coastal and farming communities and supporting our Gaeltacht communities.
“It will be an important election. The first where people will go to the voting booths knowing that change is possible.”
These candidates will now join Fine Gael candidates Senator Nikki Bradley and John McNulty and Fianna Fáil candidates Minister Charlie McConalogue and Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher who were also selected to represent their parties in the Donegal constituency at the next general election.
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