|
|
Who will replace McDaid
05.11.10
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
FOLLOWING Dr. Jim McDaid’s shock resignation this
week speculation has mounted as to who will succeed
the controversial Letterkenny politician in the Dáil.
One of the favourites to stand, Senator Cecilia
Keaveney, a Donegal North-East TD for more than ten
years, was remaining tight-lipped on the vacant
position.
“The issue of this week is recognising the work of
Dr Jim, the issue of the by-election will be an
issue for other weeks after this," she said.
The Inishowen Independent understands that Keaveney
is eager to contest McDaid’s vacant seat having
remained a high-profile politician in the Seanad
since narrowly losing her Dail seat in 2007.
Another likely challenger, Sinn Fein’s Padraig
MacLochlainn said the Government was doomed
following McDaid’s sudden departure. |
“It is clear to me that
the government is now on its last legs. With four
outstanding by-elections, none of which are likely
to be won by the government, the Dáil majority will
be stripped to the thinnest of margins. Jim McDaid’s
resignation is a signal that time is now up for this
Government and a general election should be called,”
he said.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Charlie McConalogue
said he expected to see a General Election before
any contest to find a successor for McDaid.
“I’ve always said that I intend to put my name
forward for the next General Election and my
position remains the same. |
 |
|
Dr Jim McDaid |
In these difficult
times anyone who can make a positive contribution should put themselves forward. It is my
personal belief that there will be a General
Election before any by-election in Donegal
North-East,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Bernard McGuinness was keeping
his options open yesterday.
“I have no particular interest in the seat but you
never know. I am calling on the government to hold a
General Election because the people have lost all
faith in them. It is very unfair for the government
to introduce a four-year plan in the next Budget
when they don’t have the mandate to do so,” he said. |
|
