Sinn Féin to run three candidates in Buncrana electoral area

Sinn Féin is to run three candidates in the five-seat Buncrana electoral area in June’s local elections.

The party has added Bridgend woman Niamh McGuinness to the ticket for south Inishowen, alongside sitting councillors Jack Murray and Terry Crossan.

Ms McGuinness was selected along with Cllr Crossan at a meeting of the party in the 19th Hole bar in Bridgend on Monday night.  Cllr  Murray was endorsed at a meeting in Buncrana earlier this month.

The party took more than a quarter of the first preference votes in the electoral area in the 2019 election, behind Fianna Fáil on 37%. The electoral area is to see at least one new face elected after veteran independent councillor Nicholas Crossan announced his retirement. 

Donegal TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, who presided as convener of the selection convention, said: “This is the most important local election in recent memory as it is a chance to bring the political change that is needed in communities across the State.

 “In Donegal, Sinn Féin is contesting this election with the largest team of candidates ever put forward. We are offering an alternative to the failed politics of the current government parties. We intend to bring change, firstly, to our county council and then to Dáil in the election that will follow.

“I would appeal to everyone in Inishowen to send a strong message to the government and vote for Sinn Féin, and join our campaign.

“In the Buncrana Electoral area, we have selected three strong candidates, representing every corner or the constituency, and across three different generations.

“I am excited that Niamh McGuinness will bring a fresh outlook and new voice to the council, and will enhance the Sinn Féin team alongside Terry Crossan and Jack Murray.”

Ms McGuinness, 20, is studying politics and international relations at Queen’s University Belfast.  Speaking after her endorsement, she said she is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I am excited for the challenge ahead and to introduce myself to voters across the constituency. I feel that I can bring a new, fresh approach to local politics and represent a section of society which currently does not have a voice in Lifford.

 “As a young person, growing up in Bridgend, I understand the issues affecting young people. I feel the pressure from my peers to leave Donegal, as increasing numbers of our youth are forced to leave their homes to seek a better life outside of Ireland. 

 "It is clear to me that the current government parties have abandoned the people of Donegal at a time when support is needed to tackle the causes of youth emigration and to assist those affected by the defective block crisis and the cost of living. 

 "I feel passionately that our county council should be reflective of all those within our communities, yet only four of the 37 councillors elected in the last term of the council were women. For these reasons, I am putting myself forward for election as a Sinn Féin candidate to challenge these ongoing failings and to work with a fresh perspective towards a better life for all in Donegal. Voting for a local Sinn Fein candidate, working for you, is the only option in delivering real change across the county."

 Cllr Crossan welcomed the endorsement of his party colleague and said that he looks forward to campaigning alongside her and Cllr Murray. 

"I was immensely proud and honoured to have been elected to Donegal County Council in 2019 to represent the Western shore of Lough Foyle and the wider Buncrana Electoral Area.

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“As a councillor, and now, as cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District, I have worked tirelessly to represent all of the people to the best of my ability. We face many challenges going forward. Housing, health, the soaring cost of living and migration, to name a few.

“If re-elected, I will continue to support and work with our local sporting clubs, community groups and others through the Development Fund Initiative and the Member’s Fund.

“Local sports clubs have played a huge role in the development of our young people and must be commended and supported for their invaluable contribution to this community. Tá mo chroí i lar an Phobail , Laidir le chéile.”