WHAT does the new British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party Sir Keir Starmer have in common with Donegal?
Sir Starmer and his wife Victoria honeymooned in Donegal following their wedding in 2007.
His love for Donegal seems to have continued, with the British Prime Minister spotted wearing a Donegal GAA top while playing in a five-a-side football match in 2021, revealing that he bought the top while on honeymoon in Donegal when he “fell in love with the place”.
In a tweet at the time, he posted an image of himself in action wearing the jersey with the Donegal GAA logo.
“Finally back in training. Still got a few months before Gareth Southgate announces the squad for the Euros,” he joked.
When asked about the visit by the Irish News, he said: “After I worked in Northern Ireland for five years, my wife and I flew over to Belfast on our honeymoon and drove around the whole Island of Ireland.
“As we drove over the border to Donegal, we fell in love with the place and decided to stay a few days there.
“While there, I picked up a Donegal shirt and have been wearing it ever since.”
Finn Harps reacted to the tweet, posting: “Keir heard we were top of the league and wore the closest thing he had.”
The Labour party connection seems to work both ways as a Donegal man has been appointed to a top post in the newly formed British Government – Pat McFadden was Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator ahead of the recent elections.
Having won re-election in his constituency of Wolverhampton South East as well, he was appointed as the Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
That makes Mr McFadden the second-highest ranking official in the British Government, as he will act as Keir Starmer’s right-hand man.
Pat has strong links here as both of his parents were from Dunmore, Falcarragh and he is a regular visitor to the area.
He grew up in Glasgow and got involved in Labour activities as a student.
After winning his first election as an MP in 2005, he was involved as a junior figure and adviser in the cabinets of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, as well as holding a number of shadow cabinet positions.
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)