WELL-known Letterkenny based private detective Christy Galligan is to seek a nomination to run for the Labour Party in the local elections the Donegal News has learned.

Galligan, 53, a former Letterkenny Sergeant, has decided to put himself forward for the Letterkenny-Milford Electoral Area following a decision by his sister, Mary Harte, not to contest the elections.

Mary, who is the wife of local Labour Senator, Jimmy Harte, had previously sought the Labour nomination but has decided not to run in light of Jimmy’s recent accident.

Mary Harte has fully endorsed her brother’s candidacy and says she looks forward to working with him and Siobhan McLoughlin, the party’s other hopeful in Letterkenny, over the campaign.

A selection convention is expected to take place within the next two weeks and it is believed the party will run two candidates in the election.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Galligan, affectionately known locally as ‘Robocop’ said that he has always had a very keen interest in local politics.

“When the opportunity arose recently, I thought it was time to put my money where my mouth is.

“I care deeply about the people in this locality. Having served as a Sergeant in both Letterkenny and Carrigart, as well as my ongoing work as a community activist with many local groups, I believe I could be a strong and hard-working advocate at council level.

“My work means I have direct experience of dealing with anti-social behaviour and crime. If elected, I would work to ensure that these are tackled by increasing co-operation between local authorities, estate management fora, and the Gardai,” he said.

The recent spate of attacks on the vulnerable and elderly in Donegal is an issue that Mr Galligan is already involved in tackling as part of with the local action group.

“I am working on establishing Community Action Response Teams (CART) in Garda districts in a bid to achieve social inclusion, provide jobs and also free up Garda time.

“Other keys issues include the need to support vital local job initiatives in a bid to get more young people back to work, ensure the local community is treated as an investment priority nationally and pioneer initiatives designed to instil confidence and encourage spending in the local economy.”

Mrs Mary Harte said she was 100 per cent behind Christy’s candidacy.

“Regrettably, due to Jimmy’s recent accident, I am not in a position to contest the election, but I have no doubt that Christy would be an extremely capable, hard-working candidate and together with Siobhan McLaughlin, they would run a vigorous and vibrant campaign,” she said.