AN election ploy by Dr.James McDaid to write to hundreds of Fianna Fail supporters has backfired on him.
The former Minister wrote a personal letter to Fianna Fail voters not to allow the party to die in Donegal North East in the coming election.
However instead of rallying the old Fianna Fail troops, the stunt appeared to have a much more negative affect on the Donegal public.
When the Letterkenny-based GP appeared on Highland Radio, he was attacked by listeners who accused him of cheap political election stunts.
Even popular host Shaun Doherty admitted that the majority of comments into the station were negative towards the former Dail Deputy.
However Dr.McDaid said he made no apologies about standing up for Fianna Fail and insisted that although he had left national politics, he was still a proud member of the party.
He also admitted that he was embarrassed by the collapse in support for his party but insisted that the huge rise in popularity for Sinn Fein in Donegal was merely an anti-Fianna Fail vote.
And he pleaded with people who were voting Sinn Fein for that reason to give Independent candidate Betty Holmes a vote.
With Fianna Fail facing the very real prospect of being wiped out completely in Donegal, Dr McDaid appealed to people to give Donegal North East candidate Charlie McConalogue a chance.
“I know a lot of people are saying he is an Inishowen candidate but I was in the same position myself over 20 years ago. I was based here in Letterkenny but that did not stop me working as hard as I could for the people of Inishowen when I was elected.
“He possesses all the necessary ingredients, which go to make up an interesting outgoing personality; he has no trouble interacting with others be they individuals or groups.
“He is that type of person his talents include a sense of responsibility way beyond his years. I have no hesitation in recommending him to fight on our behalf. He will be an impressive addition to Dáil Eireann,” added Dr.McDaid.