DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL:FRANK McBREARTY jnr was elected to Donegal County Council last night. The Labour Party candidate was elected on the fifth count, having polled 1,466 first preference votes in the newly revamped five-seater Stranorlar Electoral Area.
Speaking after his election, Mr McBrearty said he was “overjoyed” with the result. “I feel the people of Donegal have spoken and they have spoken by electing me as someone who will stand up for the people of Donegal once and for all. It’s been a long time since we have had a voice in this county,” he said.
“Accountability is my number one issue and if people don’t account to the people of Donegal then I’m their spokesperson,” he declared.
“I would like to think now that we’re on the verge of a new era and all the Donegal politicians will demand from Government that we need resources in this county now.” He paid tribute to Labour leader Eamon Gilmore among others for his support throughout his campaign.
“ I wouldn’t be here today doing this. I have to give a big cheer to Martin Giblin, my senior counsel, who was my biggest influence, and who taught me the law and how to cross-examine people. He’s the main reason I did this because he educated me in a way that no school could educate me.” He said his performance had defied critics, many of whom had written him off.