Main pic: Cllr Gary Doherty, Dakota Nic Mheanman, Tony McDaid and Deputy Pearse Doherty.
It’s a case of ‘back to the future’ of Sinn Fein as they confirm their three candidates in the Lifford-Stranorlar MD for the upcoming local elections.
Veteran Tony McDaid returns to the fold as does sitting councillor, Gary Doherty, along with newcomer, Dakota Nic Mheanman.
They were unveiled recently at a packed Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Pearse Doherty said Donegal Sinn Féin is delighted to have selected three fantastic candidates.
“Three candidates, all representing different generations who can bring so much to Donegal County Council,” he waid.
“In Gary, we have a sitting Councillor who has a proven track record of hard work and achievements.
“In Tony, we have a returning Councillor, hugely respected in his local area and who can bring a wealth of experience to the council.
“And finally, in Dakota, we have an enthusiastic and incredibly capable newcomer.”
Deputy Doherty said the three candidates are testament to the strength of the party in the area and will go into the election in a buoyant mood.
“You could feel the positivity in the room this evening,” he added.
“It’s vitally important that Sinn Féin return as many candidates as possible so as the damage being done to Donegal can be reversed. Today marks the first step on that journey for Sinn Féin in the Finn Valley and surrounding areas.”
The three candidates bios are included below:
Dakota Nic Mheanman
I take pride in living in Ballybofey all my life and want to be your voice, working hard to help create a better, safer community for all.
As a mother to my one year old daughter, a young person and recent graduate with an honours degree (Gaeilge and Criminology), I can relate to the issues and pressures facing both my generation and families, including the cost of living, the mica scandal and increased emigration of our young people.
Having previously volunteered with Jigsaw Donegal, I am passionate about the delivery of mental health services in the community. I will be a strong campaigner for healthcare, including services at St Joseph’s hospital and timely access to GP and Primary Care services.
Tony McDaid
I have lived in Lifford for over 50 years with my wife Joan. We have three children and seven grandchildren. I have 40 years experience, paid and voluntary, in the areas of Community Development and Early Intervention and Prevention in Family Support in Lifford and Raphoe.
I was first elected to Donegal Co. Council in 2004 and was proud to work on behalf of the people of Lifford, Raphoe, St Johnson and the surrounding areas.
A burning issue I feel needs to be addressed in our communities is the forced migration of our young people to Dublin, or further afield, for work. I will be an advocate for the creation of local employment opportunities in the area.
Cllr Gary Doherty bio
Gary lives in Castlefinn with his wife Louise and three children, Darragh, Aoife and Conor. He holds a BA Hons in Irish History and Politics from the University of Ulster.
He is a lifelong community and political activist and has served on Donegal County Council since November 2013. During that time Gary has served as Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Finn Valley College and Robert Emmets CLG and Vice-Chair of ICBAN and Donegal ETB.
Gary is a passionate advocate for County Donegal and has a proven track record of fighting for the people of the wider Finn Valley area including the Castlefinn, Lifford and Twin Towns Flood Relief Schemes, improvements to our health service, 100% Redress for victims of Defective Concrete and social and affordable housing.
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