AS Fianna Fail bicker over who will stand alongside Niall Blaney in the forthcoming election for Fianna Fail in Donegal North East, Labour hopeful Jimmy Harte has come out fighting.
The former Fine Gael man will officially launch his campaign with the support of party heavyweight and former leader Pat Rabbitte at Letterkenny’s Radisson Hotel on January 20th.
Although Labour’s other high-profile candidate Frank McBrearty Jnr did not poll as well as expected in the recent South West by-election, Harte is hopeful he can build on his personal vote and snatch a seat.
He said Donegal has been particularly badly hit in the past year and people are telling him it is time for change.
“The past 12 months have been particularly difficult for many householders in Donegal however I believe that real change is in the air, with all the signs indicating that Ireland is set for a brand new Government in late Spring.
“As the Labour Party’s General Election candidate in Donegal North-East, I am receiving a huge amount of support locally and am confident that I can secure a seat here in the upcoming election,” he said.
Elsewhere Tanaiste Mary Coughlan has confirmed she has no intention of stepping aside and will contest the next election – now widely tipped to take place on March 25th.
Fianna Fail’s selection convention for Donegal SW will take place in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties this Sunday with Senator Brian O’ Domhnaill also expected to be ratified as a candidate.
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