BY JEROME HUGHES
DONEGAL’S government and opposition politicians are being accused of running scared after they failed to attend the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny on Saturday to witness the counting of votes in the duel referendums.
Aontú’s Mary T Sweeney, who campaigned for a No-No result, says her delegation remained present throughout the day as a sign of respect for the electorate. In contrast, representatives from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, and Independents were absent.
“Not one single TD or councillor, not one, turned up. I think that’s a sad reflection. I challenge the elected politicians to address the spending of this money on such a frivolous, vexatious and ill-thought-out campaign,” said Ms Sweeney.
Donegal Fine Gael Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh doesn’t believe there will be any resignations from government as a result of the scathing referendums defeat.
“I can’t see that happening. I don’t think so. There will be a few people with their noses out of joint but because the results were so clear, I don’t think anyone can be to blame. If in doubt, vote no, is how people saw it,” according to Cllr Kavanagh.
Local Cllr Gerry Crawford of Fianna Fáil accepts communication with the electorate could have been better but stops short of suggesting the poll shouldn’t have taken place.
“There are a lot of places around the world where people are not given a voice. However, the people have now spoken and they must be listened to,” he said.
For his part, Donegal Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry McMonagle claims it’s clear that the electorate were not given enough information and the wording provided was not adequate.
“If you’re going to change the Constitution then it has to be done right because you need to be on very firm ground. People were confused and, instead of making a mistake, most decided not to vote or vote no,” he said.
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