First elected to the Dail in 1981, the 76-year-old shocked many when he announced he was standing again in Donegal south-west.

The term “veteran politician” is an understatement when it comes to describing him.

Educated at University College Galway, Gallagher first worked as a fish exporter in his native Burtonport before becoming involved in local politics.

Married to Ann, he first entered public life as a county councillor in Donegal in 1979 and was first elected as a TD in 1981. After a political career which has seen him serve as an MEP, Leas Cheann Comhairle and minister of state, he and his supporters were left shocked when he was ousted in the 2020 general election.

Age is but a number for the Burtonport native and he has undertaken a 5km walk each day for the past five years.