SF claims Ó Dómhnaill not linking himself to FF

SINN FÉIN has contended that the Fianna Fáil candidate in the Donegal South West byelection Brian Ó Dómhnaill has tried to separate his candidacy from that of his party. Its candidate, Senator Pearse Doherty, said yesterday that Mr Ó Dómhnaill’s acceptance speech in Glenties on Sunday night, suggested he wanted to distance himself from the Government.

“If Senator Ó Dómhnaill was to be elected the reality is that his first act as TD would be to vote in favour of the budget which is due to cause even further havoc to families, businesses and communities in Donegal,” he said. “Donegal South West has been neglected by this Government and by their predecessors. Even during the years of the Celtic Tiger we were ignored in terms of fair investment for infrastructure, education and health services,” he said.

Bookmakers have made Mr Doherty favourite for the seat vacated in June 2009 by Fianna Fáil MEP Pat “the Cope” Gallagher, following his successful challenge to the 18-month delay in moving the writ.

His nomination was signed yesterday by the musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaig, a member of the traditional band Altan.

For his party, Senator Ó Dómhnaill emphasised the need for the candidates to be honest about the issues in play in the campaign, especially with the magnitude of the issues facing the country.

“Decisions vital to our future have to be taken immediately – they can’t wait,” he said. “That’s why I won’t join other candidates in making promises that can’t be delivered on.”

Yesterday, Young Fine Gael said it would be sending a large number of volunteers to support its candidate, Cllr Barry O’Neill, in the campaign.

The byelection takes place on November 25th. The other declared candidates are Labour’s Frank McBrearty junior, and Independents Thomas Pringle and Tom Conaghan.