Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Fianna Fáil by-election candidate Brian Ó Domhnaill. Facebook
By-election

Fianna Fáil select Brian O'Domhnaill as Donegal candidate

Donegal South-West candidate says he feels “energised” going into the by-election fight.

FIANNA FÁIL HAS SELECTED Brian Ó Domhnaill as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in Donegal South-West.

The constituency has been short one TD since Pat The Cope Gallagher resigned after being elected to the European Parliament in June 2009.

Ó Domhnaill, currently a senator for the Donegal constituency, accepted the nomination, saying: “This is a time to put aside politics as usual. Political games are bad enough in normal times, but they can be extremely damaging when our country is facing such an urgent crisis”.

He said Donegal voters were already hearing empty promises from other campaigners which could have a negative effect on Ireland.

Speaking of his own candidacy he said: “The easy path would be to sit out this election or to join in the cynical tactic of claiming that there are easier answers”.

On RTÉ’s Morning Ireland earlier today, Ó Domhnaill said he felt energised after last night’s “packed” meeting in Glenties. He said he promised jobs for the region, but could not say how or where the party would deliver on that promise.

The Irish Times reports that the senator was selected unopposed after other candidates withdrew their names before the selection meeting convened. The paper also reports that Brian Cowen praised the party unity displayed last night.

Minister Conor Lenihan told RTÉ last night that there could be a general election before spring. He said that while the government had promised to hold two of the outstanding by-elections in the first quarter of next year, there may be a general election.

The Minister for Social Protection Eamon Ó Cúiv has been nominated as Ó Domhnaill’s campaign manager.

The other candidates put forward for the 25 November poll are Barry O’Neill (Fine Gael), Frank McBrearty Junior (Labour), Pearse Doherty (Sinn Féin), and Independents Patsy Brogan and Thomas Pringle.