Cllr Frank McBrearty as he launched his campaign with family and supporters at Raphoe Boxing Club.
The race for the general election has officially come to the boil in Co Donegal after Cllr Frank Mc Brearty officially announced his intention to run as an independent candidate.
Mc Brearty was understood to have been actively pursued by the various parties, but has decided to run as an independent candidate.
The Raphoe-based politician said he felt he could best stand up for the people of Donegal as an independent candidate free from party politics.
Cllr Mc Brearty, who is well known locally and throughout Ireland for his stance against corruption, and already championed many local issues successfully, claims he is a candidate the people can trust.
Mc Brearty feels it’s time that the people of Donegal elected a strong and trusted independent voice.
McBrearty said he always intended to run for the Dail and this was only solidified when the scandal within the Donegal County Council was brought to light in November on a RTE investigates programme.
“It’s time for the people of Donegal to have the choice to elect a strong and trusted independent voice, someone who is willing to ask the questions that need to be asked.” Says McBrearty
Mc Brearty has gained a lot of support already from the public. There was a massive turn out for the launch of his electoral campaign on Monday. Jason Quigley the undefeated Irish professional boxer from Ballybofey, was in attendance to support Mc Brearty and had nothing but praise for the Councillor.
“To be honest Frank has been there from day one in Finn Valley Boxing Club, he’s a past boxer and you can see his love of sport. He has always been there for anyone who needed him in the County. He has also always been there for me if I ever needed anything. I’ve always liked Frank, not only because he is a close family friend having boxed with my Father Connor but also, I think he is great man. You know where you stand with Frank. He will always let you know the truth and that’s the kind of person I like to be around” commented Quigley.
Mc Brearty being a huge sports man in the county, thought it only apt to hold his launch in the Local Boxing Club Raphoe.
Sports are one of key issues of Mc Brearty’s campaign in particular the role sports play in promoting positive mental health. Some of the guests at the launch include Danny Boy Ryan a psychiatric nurse and former professional boxer and former senior champion, Peter O’Donnell one of the biggest influences in sport in Donegal and Eamonn Coyle a former super heavy weight champion of Ireland.
Members of many sports clubs also attended including Raphoe and Finn Valley Boxing Club. Dominic McCafferty from Convoy Boxing Club , Raphoe Football Club Chairman Mike Kelly and many more were all there to support Frank.
Mc Brearty helped secure a site for a playground in Raphoe and representatives from the new Raphoe Community Playground Committee were there to show their support.
Frank’s family and friends including Frank Mc Brearty Snr who was instrumental in exposure in police corruption were also present.
Patsy Mc Gonagle, Irish Olympic Team Manager who attended the launch commented “Frank has always had a long association with the sporting community. He has been proactive in his support for the community, sports and recreation in Donegal as long back as his time as mayor and before.”
Cllr Frank McBrearty has been involved in politics in Donegal for the past 7 years. Over this time he achieved a lot for Donegal, representing the county locally, nationally and internationally. If elected to the Dáil, Mc Brearty feels he can do even more for Donegal and stand up for the people to ensure they get what they deserve.
Mc Brearty commented “The people of Donegal only need to know one thing, if I get elected, I will stand up for them. I will stand up for Donegal on issues such as Health Care Services; Donegal’s right to the same hospital services in other parts of the country, promoting positive mental health, protecting the most vulnerable in our society, tourism, roads, flood prevention, community and sport projects, farming and fishing issues and bringing to light corruption in all sectors.”
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