Donegal Sinn Féin’s two candidates today submitted nomination papers in bid to secure historic election victories in the county.
Recently elected TD Pearse Doherty and County Councillor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn today submitted their nomination papers at Letterkenny Court House.
Deputy Doherty was nominated by his mother Gráinne while Cllr Mac Lochlainn was nominated by Dinah Fullerton – wife of the later Cllr Eddie Fullerton. The candidates were accompanied by a large delegation of fellow Sinn Féin elected representatives and party activists as they formalised their bid to secure 2 seats in the county.
Speaking outside the courthouse Gráinne Ní Dochtartaigh said: “As parents, both Mícheal and I are extremely proud of Pearse. He’s a hard worker. While he is quite shy, he has always spoken his mind on issues which he believes in.
“He has always been deeply interested in our history and I think that is what sparked his deep love for his country and for Donegal.
“I am delighted that Pearse has asked me to sign his nomination papers and of course I’m hoping that he is successful in his election campaign as I am sure that every mother would be*.
“It is only 9 weeks since he was elected as a TD and that was a proud day for all of us. I know it has been difficult for him; especially with three young boys and Róisín at home. This election won’t be easy, but Pearse never did anything that was easy.
“What ever way it turns out he will always be Number 1 to us”
Dinah Fullerton commented after nominating Pádraig Mac Lochlainn;
“I have known Pádraig Mac Lochlainn since he was a young child. He has always been very close friend of the Fullerton family. There is no doubt in my mind that he will make an exceptional TD for Donegal North East and I have been extremely proud to nominate him today.”
In a joint statement Cllr Mac Lochlainn and Deputy Doherty said;
“This election will be an opportunity for the people of Donegal to have their say on the bank bailouts, social welfare cuts and the universal social charge. It will be a chance to vote for a better future – for a party who will not neglect the northwest as successive governments have done in the past.
“Sinn Féin is the only party who is committed to reversing the cuts and IMF bailout. We are the only party who offer a real alternative for the people of Donegal.
“The endorsement that our party received in the recent by-election in Donegal South West was a statement by the people of this county that they wanted real change. It was a mandate for new politics in Donegal.
“Our election team is currently canvassing our towns, villages and countryside in a bid to garner support for our progressive policies and secure Sinn Féin representation in Leinster House for the whole of Donegal.
“While it has been over 80 years since our party elected 2 TDs in Donegal, we are prepared for the challenge ahead and vow to work tirelessly for the people of this county and our island as whole.”
