Councillor Frank McBrearty will run for Fine Gael in the local council elections next month, Donegal Daily has learned.
A leading party source confirmed to Donegal Daily that Fine Gael Headquarters in Dublin will add McBrearty to their ticket in the Stranorlar electoral area in the coming days.
It follows numerous calls to the party offices from Fine Gael grassroots supporters in Raphoe, Lifford and across east Donegal.
It’s also understood the party grassroots members have offered canvassing teams and support on the ground to Cllr McBrearty in the past 48 hours.
McBrearty himself has remained silent on the issue but the move follows a meeting recently with the Fine Gael director of elections Tom Curran.
It’s understood the Raphoe politician informed Cllr Martin Harley of the development two weeks ago.
Harley and his supporters are opposed to the move with the Ballybofey-based publican threatening to quit Fine Gael over the issue.
However one source said: “The Fine Gael grassroots in east Donegal want Frank. It’s as simple as that. He works hard for people in the area. Cllr Harley would be better working with him to help secure two seats in the Stranorlar electoral area. Everyone has great time for Martin and people are hopeful this can all settle down.”
Earlier today Donegal TD and Cabinet Minister Joe McHugh praised both councillors and said he would welcome Cllr McBrearty into Fine Gael.
Tags: