FINE Gael’s Director of election in Donegal is hoping to bring An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, to the county over the coming days in a bid to shore up support for the party.
While Fine Gael remains on course to remain the largest party in the next government, local opinion polls show major problems for Fine Gael in Donegal.
However, Senator Michael Comiskey, Fine Gael Director of Elections in Donegal, remains confident that the party can return two TDs in Donegal, namely Deputy Joe McHugh and Paddy Harte.
“I got a phone call yesterday about a local poll which claims that we are in deep trouble but we’re not picking up that message on the ground. The two teams are out canvassing very hard and I’m confident that we’ll be very close to two seats,” Senator Comiskey said.
He added that he was ‘hopeful’ that Mr Kenny will visit the constituency over the weekend.
“He’s a very busy man going up and down the country but we hope to get him in for a few hours around the weekend.
“The latest poll is a little worrying but we’re a full week out yet. We’re getting good feedback on the ground and a visit from the Taoiseach would give everyone a massive boost,” the Senator added.
Deputy Joe McHugh said that he has two hundred people canvassing for him every day, adding that he was getting good feedback.
“The biggest area of concern on the doorsteps is coming the working man who has been hit with both the USC and high tax rates. We’re committed to rewarding the working man’s efforts by getting rid of the Universal Service Charge and lowering the marginal tax rates. Fine Gael has a plan but we need a local voice at the table,” Deputy McHugh said.
Meanwhile, Councillor John O’Donnell has publicly come out in favour of veteran Fianna Fáil candidate Pat The Cope Gallagher.
In a tweet, the embattled Independent member of Donegal County Council said that he was looking forward to Pat The Cope coming to Downings and Carrigart.
Speaking to the Donegal News yesterday, Thursday, Cllr O’Donnell said that he will be backing Pat The Cope ‘all the way’.
“Pat is a man of the people for the people and everyone knows the work that he has done. We have a sitting TD and Minister (Joe McHugh) but why shouldn’t I welcome Pat to Downings and Carrigart?” Cllr O’Donnell said.
When asked about Cllr O’Donnell’s support, Mr Gallagher said that he has known the O’Donnell family for many years.
“I served with his late father Eddie on the Council. I can’t decide who votes for me or who doesn’t,” Mr Gallagher said.