Fine Gael has selected the recently-appointed senator Nikki Bradley and the businessman John McNulty to represent the party in the Donegal constituency at the next general election.
In the new constituency of Dublin Fingal West, it has selected lawyer Grace Boland as its candidate, after she won the convention over councillor Eoghan Dockrell.
Ms Bradley, a disabilities campaigner, was appointed by Taoiseach Simon Harris to the Seanad earlier this summer to replace Regina Doherty, following the latter’s election to the European Parliament.
Mr McNulty was nominated by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014 to contest a by-election on the cultural and education panel of Seanad Éireann. It emerged, however, that he had been appointed to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art six days before he got the party nomination. Without the board appointment, he would not have been eligible to standfor election.
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Once the controversy emerged, Mr McNulty, a retailer, let it be known to Fine Gael members that he did not want to be considered for a seat in the Upper House.
Both were selected at a convention on Monday night in Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, which was chaired by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys.
Fine Gael has now selected 30 general election candidates in 18 constituencies.
Ms Bradly said she hoped to become a TD and would be a strong voice for those living with disabilities. “From my lived experience, I have invaluable insight and knowledge that I can use to push for a better quality of life for others who are living with disabilities. I want to improve access to services for everybody within the disability community.
“I will also continue to raise the issue of defective blocks that has impacted so many across the constituency.”
Mr McNulty said he would be a hard-working representative for the people of Donegal, if elected, with a particular focus on the indigenous industries of farming and fishing, and also improving access to housing, healthcare, attracting tourism, and much needed improvements to infrastructure.
“Access to healthcare is a big issue for so many in Donegal, and I want to see continued investment in Letterkenny University Hospital.
“I want to see real, practical solutions to address the issue of defective concrete. This has impacted so many individuals and families across the county,” he said.
Ms Boland is a daughter of the late John Boland, a Fine Gael TD and Minister. She faced a strong rival in Cllr Dockrell.
Speaking afterwards she said. “My dedication to public service is inspired by my father ... whose legacy of reform and community development continues to shape my values and aspirations.
“His work in Fingal – establishing resources like Ardgillan Demesne, Skerries Red Island, Skerries Mills, Malahide Castle, Newbridge Demesne and many playing fields and resources for the people of Fingal – has left a lasting impact, and I am committed to continuing this tradition of public service.”
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