by Louise Doyle
THE son of Thomas Pringle, who lost his seat as an Independent TD at the weekend, has praised his father for his “sheer integrity” and “sincere decency”.
Ultan Pringle took to ‘X’ to pay tribute to his father, who served as a Teachta Dála for the Donegal constituency from 2016 to 2024, and previously from 2011 to 2016 for the Donegal South-West constituency.
The Killybegs-based man secured 10,325 overall votes and was eliminated on the 16th and final count in the early hours of Monday morning at Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny.
This saw 100% Redress Party candidate Charles Ward (11,714) and Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue (11,683) take the two remaining seats in the Donegal’s five-seat constituency.
In a post on X, Ultan Pringle wrote: “Couldn’t be more in awe of my dad, whose 25 years of a political career is one of sincere decency and a massive personal belief in better for all.
“Donegal’s lost a brilliant, progressive voice but his legacy of decency, respect and sheer integrity is undeniable.”
In a continued post on Monday morning, Ultan Pringle posted a photograph of his dad at their kitchen table wearing a T-shirt reading: “If it was easy everyone would be doing it.”
He told of how he and his father “debriefed over a breakfast of chocolate caramel digestives”.
“I’ve spent years marveling at my dad and his profound belief in progress for everyone, near and far. I’m so proud of him and so lucky to be his son.”
Ultan Pringle’s post lead to an outpouring of support for his dad.
Posts on X
“It’s not just Donegal that’s lost your dad’s great progressive voice for decency, fairness, justice, human rights, we all have. A chasm in the Dáil for sure, but he’s raised the bar and inspired so many…so his seat will be kept warm for his return.”
“One of the proudest things about living in Donegal was knowing this was the calibre of representative that Donegal people elected on their behalf. A sad loss but he made us all very proud.”
“A massive loss, he brought a much-needed dose of integrity to Leinster House.”
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