The Inishowen farmer was up before daylight so that he could espouse the party’s views on RTE Radio 1’s ‘Morning Ireland’ programme.
This afternoon he was taking his seat on the Opposition benches as Taoiseach Enda Kenny took power.
Said Charlie this morning: “It’s a big day for me and my family but also very much for all my team and supporters in Fianna Fail who worked so hard to get me to this day where I’m entering Dail Eireann.
“My focus now is helping the people of Donegal North East but also on helping to rebuild Fianna Fail and opposing this government on matters of difference – and there are huge areas of difference.”
more to follow….