Charlie McConalogue	Pádraig Mac Lochlainn	Jimmy Harte	Betty Holmes	Ryan Stewart	John Ryan	Joe McHugh

	Humphrey Murphy	Ian McGarvey	Dessie Shiels	MacDara Blaney

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Donegal North East Results 27.02.11

Inishowen goes to the polls 25.02.11

INISHOWEN goes to the polls today and the peninsula could be set to land two local TDs for the first time.
Widely tipped to top the Donegal North East vote, Sinn Féin candidate Pádraig MacLochalinn looks set to be declared the first Buncrana-born TD in the history of the State while sitting deputy, Joe McHugh (FG) also looks certain to be returned to the 31st Dail.
The race for the third seat could keep election tellers busy into the early hours of Sunday morning with Inishowen duo, Charlie McConalogue and John Ryan, up against Labour hopeful Jimmy Harte.
With a late groundswell of support for John Ryan (FG), followers of the Bridgend businessman are in bouyant mood.
Similarly, Charlie McConalogue (FF) is in a strong position with bookmakers tipping the Gleneely farmer to pip Jimmy Harte to the third and final seat.
Opinion polls in Donegal North East have also suggested that the Labour party and Fianna Fail are set to fight it out for the last seat in the constituency with many believing it is too close to call. (Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent)

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 23.02.11

Statement released by Labour Party candidate, Cllr Jimmy Harte:
"It has been brought to my attention that leaflets are in circulation about abortion, which I detest. The Donegal people know that my father was expelled from Fine Gael by Taoiseach John Bruton, the party leader in 1996, when he opposed abortion. I supported my father then as did all the Harte family and that is where I stand in 2011 and will remain. In no circumstances will I support the introduction of abortion. That is my pledge."

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 23.02.11

FIANNA Fáil election candidate for Donegal North East, Charlie McConalogue is a person who, if elected on Friday, "can change politics and the political system for the better". That's according to Séan Gallagher of RTE's Dragons' Den. His remarks were made at an election rally on Sunday night where he gave a full endorsement of Cllr McConalogue to a crowd of 300 people.
The TV 'Dragon' said while Ireland was facing its most difficult financial crisis in history its international reputation wasn’t built in the last 18 months and nor would it be permanently damaged in such a short space of time.
At the rally, Cllr McConalogue highlighted the need for the Fianna Fáil party to embrace change and examine its core values with a view to going back to its grassroots.
“It is only through strong representation in Dáil Éireann that we can have a voice to contribute to reform of the political system. I want to be that voice," he said.

John Ryan (Fine Gael) 23.02.11

FINE Gael Election candidate Cllr John Ryan said he plans to secure funding for a new bridge at Cockhill if he’s elected to the Dáil this weekend. The Burnfoot based councillor said that he had been working on this project since he was elected to Donegal County Council in 2009 but that the funding wasn’t available.
“Since I got elected I have been lobbying for a new bridge at Cockhill. We all know the bottleneck that exists there and the bridge is just not suitable for the traffic levels that currently use it.
"But the issue has always been a lack of funding. At Inishowen Electoral area level I have sought funding but the problem has been that, even though the bridge is a major artery in the peninsula, it belongs to the regional road network and therefore funding is very limited.”
He said Cockhill Bridge had already been recommended as a priority project by the Council Road Design Department and with 12,000 vehicles using the Derry to Buncrana route everyday "it has earned its priority status". But Cllr. Ryan said he would advocate an upgrade that would ensure the necessary funds became available.
“I have sought clarification on the current status of our road network here in Inishowen and if I’m elected with Fine Gael in power I will look at getting the main stretches of road in Inishowen upgraded to National Secondary status through the Minister for Transport. This will bring Cockhill into that category and in doing this I will then be able to access funding for Cockhill Bridge directly from the NRA. So if the people of Inishowen pledge their support for me on Friday I’m confident that I can deliver this long-awaited and urgently needed piece of infrastructure for our area.”
Cllr. Ryan concluded by saying that this upgrade of roads in Inishowen would also impact on the issue of salt provision and gritting in the peninsula.

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 23.02.11

SINN Féin candidate for Donegal North East Pádraig MacLochlainn has insisted his party would reverse the cuts, introduce a new Budget and reject the IMF deal.
“Sinn Féin is the only party who are offering the voters a real alternative to the consensus for cuts,” the deputy mayor of Donegal declared. “We have shown through our economic proposals how we will reverse the cuts and stimulate the economy without the need for an IMF bankers bailout.
“Don’t be fooled by Enda Kenny’s tea and biscuits with Angela Merkel or Eamon Gilmore’s hot air, the fact is that both Fine Gael and Labour have stated publicly that they have no intention of undoing what has been done by this Government."

Cast your vote today... 22.02.11

WITH only 3 days to go until the general election, InishowenNews.com today brings you our last online poll for the Donegal North East constituency. Last week's poll was topped by Fine Gael's Cllr John Ryan who received 753 out of the total 1742 votes cast.
Click here to vote today...

John Ryan (Fine Gael) 20.02.11

FINE Gael candidate for Donegal North East Cllr John Ryan has pledged to protect the peninsula's farming community as one of his top priorities.
Speaking to InishowenNews.com after meeting with some local farmers, the Burnfoot based councillor spoke of his concern for the sector which has been hit by very difficult market conditions over the past number of years. A fall off in prices for farm produce, severe weather conditions, Government cuts to farm gate schemes and a contraction of agrifood exports were all contributing to the pressures on farmers.
“It’s currently a tough time for our farmers. All of these issues are severely impacting on the sector and on prices in particular. I believe that farmers should be receiving a fair price for their produce and consumers should have access to competitively priced groceries," he said.
"Fine Gael’s policy for the farming sector is the best way of helping to make this happen.”
He hit out at large retailers who he said were demanding unfair payments from producers to stock their products.
“An estimated €160m is being paid to large supermarket chains by Irish suppliers annually, jeopardising thousands of Irish agri-business jobs all over the country. This impacts on the 230,000 people working in the agri-food industry," added Cllr Ryan.
He said the Government had "dragged its heels" on taking action to assist farmers and consumers in the face of retailer pressure. Meanwhile, he said the removal of REPS 4 was another issue "suffocating" the Inishowen farming sector.
“Many small farmers feel that the removal of REPS 4 has left them in an untenable position. Small farmers were encouraged by the Fianna Fail government to build slatted houses for which they had to take out substantial loans and many of these farmers were relying on the income from REPS 4 to repay these loans. However, they are now faced with a reduced income and a loan to repay after being prevented from entering the REPS 4 Scheme," he added.

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 20.02.11

OUTGOING TD., Dr James McDaid is rallying his troops to back the sole Fianna Fáil candidate for Donegal North East, Cllr Charlie McConalogue. He admitted that only Fianna Fáil people "can save the party" in the constituency. In a letter to many of his loyal supporters over the past 20 years, he asked them to "put geography and parochialism aside" and ensure that the constituency continues to have an FF representative in the next Dáil. “Unfortunately by hanging on in government for too long, the Fianna Fáil party have been decimated to an extent never seen before. We are looking for our very survival."
He added: “How times have changed. Today, we run one candidate and our aim must be to ensure that a Fianna Fáil presence remains in Donegal North East despite these difficult times.
“Let it never be said therefore that, on our watch, and in our time, this constituency failed to return a Fianna Fáil TD. Let us put geography aside and remember who we are – Fianna Fáil and we always put our party first. With this approach we will succeed.
He described Charlie McConalogue as "a fine young man with a strong Fianna Fáil pedigree". "A member of a highly-respected family in his native Inishowen, he is intelligent, sensitive, and considerate and his integrity is of the highest order.
"He possesses all the necessary ingredients, which go to make up an interesting outgoing personality; he has no trouble interacting with others, be they individuals or groups. He is that type of person. His talents include a sense of responsibility way beyond his years. I have no hesitation in recommending him to fight on our behalf. He will be an impressive addition to Dáil Eireann."

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 20.02.11

Cllr Jimmy Harte, Labour's general election candidate in Donegal North East, has rejected comments made by Cllr Charlie McConalogue that Labour policy negatively impacts rural schools.
Cllr Harte claimed Cllr McConalogue was "misleading" people by telling them that Labour policy to undertake a value for money review of rural schools would lead to the closure of local rural schools.
"It is unfair and disingenuous of Cllr McConalogue to make this assertion when, in fact, it is his own colleague, Mary Coughlan, who will oversee the review in the first place. It was Deputy Coughlan's department who are undertaking a value-for-money review of rural schools around the country. Labour merely welcomed the review. Cllr McConalogue should not be indulging in such scaremongering tactics and should tell people the truth about his own parties position."
Cllr Harte said Labour's position and the education spokesperson Deputy Ruairi Quinn's position is clear - that a value for money review was needed, which was no different to Fianna Fáil. Labour believes that in some instances it may be favourable to cluster small schools together.
"Labour believes in looking at several options such as having all the children in junior classes taught in one school and those in senior classes taught in another nearby. There may also be some instances in which they could share secretaries and a board of management.
"However the key point is that Mary Coughlan will oversee the review and her department announced the review on the back on the An Bord Snip Nua report. Cllr MacConalogue should clarify this and be honest with the electorate," added Cllr Harte.

Joe McHugh (Fine Gael) 20.02.11

THE Government that the Irish people will elect next Friday will be charged with building a stable Irish economy, says Fine Gael candidate, Joe McHugh.
He said Fine Gael offered the electorate a low-tax recovery plan designed to create jobs.
"My party’s general election manifesto, entitled 'Let’s Get Ireland Working' contains plans to cut the red tape that strangles the industries that currently provide employment in this country. Our plans to reduce bureaucracy and cut indirect taxes will create thousands of jobs in the retail, commercial, farming, marine, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism sectors."
He added: "'Let’s Get Ireland Working' also contains plans to create 20,000 jobs per year for the next four years in new energy, water, broadband, telecoms, and other 21st century technologies. Fine Gael will harness the ‘real economy’ and the ‘smart economy’ together to build a sustainable Irish jobs structure."
Meanwhile, he added: "I have been an Opposition representative since 1999 when I was first elected to Donegal County Council. Twelve years of Opposition politics have given me a strong appetite to deliver for you in Government."

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 20.02.11

DONEGAL'S elderly have been "robbed of their dignity in order to pay the bankers and Fianna Fáil cronies who crippled the economy", Sinn Féin candidate Pádraig MacLochlainn said.
“I have been knocking on doors across Donegal North East and the sense of anger out there is palpable,” Councillor MacLochlainn said.
“One of the issues which keeps coming up time and time again is the issue of home help hours. This government cut almost 30,000 hours of home help services in County Donegal and we are now seeing the very real misery which that decision has caused.
“Vulnerable, elderly people have been left without essential services by a government which is economically, politically and morally bankrupt.
“This government has robbed our elderly people of their dignity and they did so at a time when they were giving the bankers and their cronies billions of euros as a reward for bringing our economy to its knees.
“I have spoken to countless people across Donegal and they are disgusted at how they have been treated by this government. They are furious that the most vulnerable in society have been targeted for cuts while those that caused this crisis have been rewarded.
“We need to send this government a very clear message on February 25, when we go to the polls. Enough is enough and I am urging the people of this constituency to vote for Sinn Féin as the only real alternative and the only party which has shown how it will reverse the cuts and protect our communities, not the cronies.”

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 17.02.11

THE 'BASHING' of public sector workers must end, Donegal North East general election candidate, Cllr Jimmy Harte has said.
He said it was "too easy for people to come out and blame all the country’s woes on the public sector work".
“I don’t accept that. It’s been too easy for people, including the other political parties, to bash the public sector worker, that somehow, they are the cause of all our problems.
“The public sector needs to be reformed, everybody agrees with that. However, we in the Labour Party believe any redundancies must come from natural wastage and voluntary redundancy,” said Cllr Harte.
“Fine Gael want to take an axe to the public sector and get rid of 30,000 workers overnight and that just isn’t on.
“To try and hammer the lower paid public sector work, already hit with the universal social charge is not acceptable to the Labour Party.
“Some 40 per cent of the working population in Letterkenny is employed in the public sector and a lot of the local economy depends on them.
“Party leader, Eamon Gilmore has come out and backed the Croke Park agreement and we must now set about implementing it fully.”

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 17.02.11

SMALL businesses in Donegal will play a "crucial role" in the economic recovery of the county, according to local Councillor Charlie McConalogue. The Fianna Fáil candidate in Donegal North East said he had spoken to many business owners and their employees who are concerned about the future of their companies.
“While there is no doubt that investment from international companies must be pushed for Donegal North East, the reality is that most employment in this region will come from small businesses. We must do all we can to ensure their survival and development,” said Cllr. McConalogue.
“Entrepreneurs must be given every chance to put their business ideas into action. The Fianna Fáil manifesto commits to extending the corporation tax exemption for start up companies for a further three years, and to amend it so the relief will be linked to the amount of employers’ PRSI paid by the company. This change will focus the relief on job creation and reward new companies that create jobs.
“It also provides for investments in small firms at their earliest stages of development, through Enterprise Ireland’s €175 million seed and venture capital programme and through the €500 million Innovation Fund. There is also a commitment secured from the main lenders to make €12 billion available for new or increased credit facilities to small and medium sized enterprises over 2010 and 2011 and I will be representing small businesses as strongly as possible in holding the lenders to account on this commitment."
The local Councillor added: “While there is no doubt that things are very tough at present, we have strengths that we can build upon. I am certain that greater support for our small and medium sized enterprises can and will help us towards recovery in Donegal and across the country.”

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 17.02.11

SINN Féin candidate for the Donegal North East Pádraig MacLochlainn has said that cuts to public services is "an attack on Donegal as a whole". He said:
“Our public services are under severe attack due to the destruction of our economy by the outgoing Government and its predecessors."
He said Sinn Féin was committed to:
• A new universal public health system for Ireland that provides care to all free at the point of delivery.
• Fewer bureaucrats, more frontline health workers.
• An end to the two-tier health system and to public subsidies for private healthcare. Invest all health funding in the public system.
• A return to free education.
• The creation of 500 new teaching posts and the reduction of class sizes to 20 pupils per teacher.
• Transformation of the rural postal network to make rural post offices a ‘one stop shop’ for a range of services including postal services, banking services, council services and citizens’ information.

Election Poll Results for Wednesday 16th February 16.02.11

Our next election poll will be on Tuesday 22nd February... click here

Cast your vote today... 16.02.11

WITH 9 days to go until the general election, InishowenNews.com today brings you our third online poll for the Donegal North East constituency. Last week's poll was topped by Fianna Fáil's Cllr Charlie McConalogue who received 82 out of the total 320 votes cast. Our last poll, before next week's election, will be held on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Click here to vote today...

Dessie Shiels (Independent) 15.02.11

INDEPENDENT candidate Dessie Shiels has outlined why he has decided to stand in the general election for Donegal North East. "The main reason I have decided to stand in the general election 2011 is that party politics have failed Ireland. All the established parties have stood by and watched the collapse of the Irish economy as we knew it. "Far too many people are now in politics for what they can get out of it, be it status, favour or advantage. These people have failed politics and the people they represent by not actually listening to ordinary people. Promises are cheap if they aren’t kept and real people need real representatives who will have the integrity to do what is right for this country and its people." He added: "We need to send the right people to Dublin after this election. We need young educated people with the proper skills to deal with the major issues facing this Country. There is little point in sending junior members of the big parties up from Donegal to slavishly follow whatever policy party headquarters in Dublin tells them. That is no good to Donegal. We need clear thinkers who won’t be muzzled by party politics. "We need people who will listen to local people in their area and put their issues forward and be their voice for change. Theres a lot of party politics still being played in this election – the big parties – Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Labour and Finn Gael are interested only in power and what that brings for them. I have no interest in that. I want people power and I would ask any person in Donegal North East who has thought of voting for a candidate put forward by a big party to ask if they can trust them and their party to always do what is right for Donegal and its people.
"I think I have the right abilities. I am a young 34 year old Solicitor. I attended UCD in Dublin where I obtained my degree in Civil Law. Upon qualification in 2001, I then trained and practised with Ireland's most prestigious commercial law Firm, McCann FitzGerald in Dublin. During my time in Dublin, I also lectured in Trinity College. "I am the author of the legal textbook, ‘Abuse of Process: Unjust and improper conduct of Civil Litigation in Ireland’, published in May 2002 (Foreword by the then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ireland, Mr Justice Ronan Keane). I was the author of this legal textbook at the age of just 25 and have since been cited on a number of occasions in the High Court and in various High Court judgments as the legal authority on this area in Ireland. In 2004, I returned from Dublin to Letterkenny to establish my own solicitors' firm at the age of 27. It is time that people politics return to Ireland and that the persons elected to the Dáil in 2011 are both able and willing to deal with the serious issues we now face. "I am acutely aware of health issues and my partner is a Buncrana lady doctor Danielle Mulhern.
	Independent election candidate Dessie Shiels with his partner, Dr Danielle Mulhern.
Danielle has educated me greatly on the health issues which face ordinary people who have to put up with delays in being seen and great distances to travel to be seen. I recognise the need to fight hard for the future of Letterkenny General Hospital for the good of everybody in Donegal North East. "I would ask for people to vote for me in Donegal North East and vote for a young educated man who has excelled in business and as an academic. I have put Letterkenny and Donegal on the map as a lawyer and I’ll do everything I can for ordinary people in Donegal to be a voice for Donegal and to put Donegal on the map again."

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 14.02.11

LABOUR'S education policy shows a "complete disregard for the importance of small rural schools", says Fianna Fáil candidate in Donegal North East, Councillor Charlie McConalogue.
He said Labour’s policy stance could negatively impact on 60 schools and up to 1,766 pupils in Co Donegal. “Those of us familiar with the realities of rural living understand that as well as achieving high standards of education, schools are at the heart of rural communities.
“Rural schools are a focal point for the local community and part of the unique identity of the area, with grandchildren often following their grandparents through the doors of the same school, grandchildren often following their grandparents to play for the same school team.
“Recent comments from the Labour Education spokesperson Ruairí Quinn that rural schools are not giving “value for money” will send a chill down the spine of parents in small rural communities all over Ireland. In the last few weeks, Deputy Quinn, who wants to be the next Education Minister, told the Irish Independent that he favoured clustering small rural schools. This is a policy which will lead to the closure of local schools around the country. Rural schools already cluster for many services – pushing this further can only end their stand-alone status," he added.

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 14.02.11

CLLR Jimmy Harte, Labour's general election candidate in Donegal North East, launched his party's job strategy for Inishowen at the weekend. In a press conference in the Lake of Shadows Hotel in Buncrana on Saturday, Cllr Harte, accompanied by local Labour Cllr Martin Farren, spoke of the need to create jobs in the tourism, fishing agriculture and business sectors in order to breathe life back into the area. The launch preceded a canvass of the Buncrana and surrounding areas. He said: "This election is about jobs and getting people back to work. The Labour Party is the party for work. Sadly, we have seen again the devastation to local communities in Donegal with the recent job losses at Gallagher’s bakery in Ardara. Donegal has been let down by this outgoing Fianna Fail Government on the jobs issue. There are almost 22,000 people on the live register in Donegal. Several hundred more are emigrating each week. That is the sad reality facing the incoming Government, but we are not without hope," he added. "I will make just one promise. The Labour Party will not abandon the people of Donegal to hopelessness, as the others have done. We are determined to get Donegal back to work. Our policies are results driven on the jobs issue. We are committed to creating a €500m Jobs’ Fund and a Strategic Investment Bank to get this country back to work." Harte is focusing on four things: tourism; fishing; agriculture and business.

Betty Holmes (Independent) 14.02.11

BETTY Holmes has released her personal profile to explain why she wants people to vote for her as a single issue health candidate.
"Why am I so passionate about our health?
*I am that person who is living today because of Letterkenny Hospital! They saved my life.
*I am that person, who left this county from Letterkenny Hospital in an ambulance, as an emergency on numerous occasions.
*I am in the hospital system for over 22 years on an ongoing basis with health problems,
*I have a long-term illness and disability for the last 8 years.
*Letterkenny Hospital was there when my children were small and needed medical attention.
*I know the importance of our hospital and health service.
"I want to make sure that the health services you need are there when you need them, like they were for my family and I," she said.
"There is no “big wheel” behind me, no campaign funds, but I will tell you what there is. I have total belief that our health services in Donegal are in serious danger of being taken from us. I am passionate about our health, the issues and how important it is for our survival. I am hardworking and know that to achieve what you are aiming for requires daily hard work and long hours of which I am not afraid.

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 14.02.11

SINN Féin candidate for Donegal North East, Pádraig MacLochlainn said the next Government must immediately recommence works at Greencastle breakwater. He was speaking after meeting representatives of the local fishing industry over recent days. "The completion of the breakwater at Greencastle is of crucial importance to the local fishing industry. It is economic madness for any Government to have invested millions into this project and then to just leave it to wash away. Furthermore, the breakwater in its unfinished state has created a real tidal safety hazard for vessels navigating the harbour.
"Sinn Féin have outlined how in Government, we would transfer money from this state's National Pension Reserve Fund to invest in public infrastructure such as Greencastle breakwater to boost employment and stimulate the economy. It is economic common sense in times of recession for the state to intervene in this fashion.
"This breakwater project is of crucial importance to the fishing community of Greencastle and North Inishowen but it is also of importance to the tourism industry of Donegal and the North West through the add on benefits to the Greencastle to Magilligan Ferry. All election candidates should give a firm commitment that their party in Government will see this project home. Sinn Féin are giving that commitment."

Ryan Stewart (Independent) 11.02.11

INDEPENDENT election candidate Ryan Stewart says the Government decision to phase out pay for fourth year student nurses is "further evidence of the attack on frontline staff in hospitals around the country".
"Unlike a normal internship during studies, these members of staff provide a vital service, replacing full-time nursing staff and looking after their own patients, and performing the same functions as a fully qualified member of staff," said Mr Stewart.
"This payment is an essential component of continuing their education, not just to pay for uniforms, tuition fees, and cost of living, it also contributes to a sense of earning, and being a part of a working team. Being paid while you participate in the workplace contributes to your value in that team and gives nurses a sense of belonging.
"These nurses are an integral part of the health service and deserve to be treated with respect. The money they receive also contributes to the local economy, so this has a double impact for a town like Letterkenny, and can be viewed in the same vein as a significant loss of jobs, as the students will not have the money to spend locally. The cut equates to 1600 ‘job losses’ around the country, which would be a bodyblow in anyone’s language.
But not only is it an attack on nursing, it is an attack on education. It is my belief that trained professionals and graduates earn more than unqualified people, and pay higher taxes for the rest of their lives, and this pays the way for those who follow in their footsteps. If we fail to support those in education, we will not be able to pay for education in the future."

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 11.02.11

LABOUR party election candidate for Donegal North East, Cllr Jimmy Harte will outline his party's job strategy for Inishowen, in Buncrana this Saturday. Cllr Harte will be joined by local Labour councillor Martin Farren and former election candidate Siobhan McLaughlin. Together, they will launch the strategy on how Labour will bring jobs to Inishowen in the next Government.
Cllr Harte said: "Donegal NE and in particular Inishowen need a strong voice in Government. As the polls are indicating, Labour will be in the next Government and if jobs are to be brought to the county, we need a strong representative fighting our corner in the next stable Government. Labour can offer people in Donegal this voice at the Government table."
Cllr Martin Farren added: "As Inishowen's local Labour councillor I will work with Jimmy to ensure that the voices of fishermen are heard, that the tourism potential of our area is recognised, that our young are given job opportunities and that the elderly feel safe in their homes. Together Jimmy Harte and I will work for Donegal NE in the next Government for Inishowen and work at bringing jobs to the area."
The Labour trio will outline their jobs strategy at the Lake of Shadows Hotel in Buncrana on Saturday, February 12, at 12.30pm.

Election Poll Results for Wednesday 9th February 10.02.11

Due to technical problems, our online poll crashed yesterday at approximately 5pm. This was seven hours before the closing time. The table below shows votes cast up until 4.30pm. Our next election poll will be on Wednesday 16th February... click here

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 10.02.11

COUNCILLOR Jimmy Harte has reacted angrily to news that a further €50 billion may be needed to further prop up Irish banks, including €15 billion for Anglo Irish Bank alone. He said he was "disgusted and appalled" by fresh comments from Anglo chairman Alan Dukes that some €50 billion extra will be required for a ‘clean banking core’. Cllr Harte said it reaffirmed Labour’s stance on not giving a blanket guarantee to the banks. But he said the revelations exposed Sinn Fein’s economic strategy.“Last night we saw Sinn Fein’s Padraig MacLochlainn on TV3 defending his party’s stance on voting for the substantive blanket bank guarantee because, according to him, they were influenced by Fianna Fáil’s ‘patriotic call of duty’ to parties in the Dáil.
"What Cllr MacLochlainn fails to explain is that by adhering to Fianna Fáil’s patriotic call, his party has contributed to putting this country in hock to the tune of more than €100 billion by propping up the bust banks. All I can say is that this is a warped sense of patriotism Sinn Féin are espousing, flanked by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil."

Betty Holmes (Independent) 10.02.11

INDEPENDENT health candidate Betty Holmes is calling on the HSE to lift the recruitment embargo to allow for the appointment of a new full time urologist at Letterkenny General Hospital.
"This new post which has an initial investment of £2.3 million through the CAWT Cross Border Acute Hospital Services Project is being put in danger as a result of the HSE recruitment embargo.
"The post, which should have been advertised at the end of the summer, was not signed off on by the HSE, despite initial funding being in place for a period of two years for the post.
Letterkenny General Hospital has been asked by the HSE to suppress either one consultant's post or two junior doctors' posts, neither of which LGH can afford to lose," said Ms Holmes.
"This comes at a time when the HSE in December last, announced that 11 additional consultant posts and seven new posts are to be filled this year. The HSE said that the jobs would be exempt from the current recruitment embargo, and provision was expected to be made for the posts in the 2011 service plan."
Equipment has already been bought for Letterkenny General Hospital and staff have started training as part of this project, she added. "The recruitment of this 2nd Urologist is vital for Letterkenny General Hospital if they are to develop a prostate rapid access unit. This once again highlights the inequalities that exist in resources for Donegal people and indeed Letterkenny General Hospital."

Cast your vote today... 09.02.11

WITH 16 days to go until the general election, InishowenNews.com today brings you our second online poll for the Donegal North East constituency. Last week's poll was topped by Sinn Féin's Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn who received 150 out of the total 478 votes cast. Cllr Dessie Larkin, whose attempts to join the Fianna Fáil ticket were snubbed in favour of a single candidate strategy, has been removed from our online ballot paper. Meanwhile, two new Independent candidates have since declared, namely, Cllr Ian McGarvey and Letterkenny solicitor, Dessie Shiels. Humphrey Murphy of the Green Party has also been added to the list. Today's online ballot paper carries 10 names including the only female candidate, health campaigner, Betty Holmes. Click here to vote...

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 08.02.11

AMID the serious problems facing Ireland, the country also has real economic advantages, Labour candidate, Cllr Jimmy Harte has said.
He was speaking following the launch of Labour’s “Plan for Stability and Growth” in Dublin last week.
"Areas like Donegal need correct pro-jobs policies to be put in place over the coming years. We need to get people back to work locally, producing services and generating revenue in the local community. As an election candidate with experience of setting up and maintaining their own business, I have a unique understanding of job creation and this is one of my key policies going forward,” he said.
Cllr Harte said the cuts proposed by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over the next three years posed an "unacceptable risk to jobs and growth", unlike Labour’s proposals. He explained that there are three main planks to Labour’s plan for stability and growth – forward thinking, saving public money and fairer taxes. A key part of the plan is to renegotiate the EU/IMF deal by extending its terms by a year to 2016.
“Labour wants to safeguard Ireland’s future economic and employment growth, and that means renegotiating the EU/IMF deal by extending its terms by a year to 2016, making savings in public spending and eliminate waste, and introducing a fair tax system."

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 08.02.11

FIANNA Fáil candidate for Donegal North East, Cllr Charlie McConalogue has vowed to be "a driving force behind the radical political reform" outlined in his party's election manifesto.
"As a new voice for politics in Donegal, I will commit myself to driving the radical agenda for political change set out in the election manifesto.
“Fianna Fáil has to go back to its roots as a radical reforming party. That is the Fianna Fáil I have always believed in. In returning to that tradition of fundamental reform, we can help bring about a new beginning in Irish politics by changing the way our political system and government works.
“The lessons of the past two decades have to be learnt and I will be working hard if elected to drive the political reform plan in the Fianna Fáil manifesto, which I think is more radical and fundamental than anything being proposed by other parties.
“The objective is a parliament with a direct link to citizens as well as a focus on national issues and government which draws on the best expertise in the country.
I will also drive an agenda that includes proposals for a Citizens’ Assembly and the banning of corporate donations," said Cllr McConalogue.

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 08.02.11

LABOUR candidate Cllr Jimmy Harte said he would push for research and investment hubs in colleges like LYIT.
"As a father of four children, I am all too familiar with the fear that many parents are currently experiencing in terms of worrying about whether their children will have to move abroad in search of work. These educated young adults are now beginning to feel disconnected from the country from which they were educated. Unless we create environment which taps into their creative and intellectual potential, they will go.
"This week I propose that the Labour Party’s planned €500 million Jobs Fund could be used to establish research and innovation hubs in 3rd level institutions like LYIT. The fund would be used to provide infrastructure which would bridge the gap between research in universities and its subsequent development into commercially viable propositions. The hubs would in turn harness expertise of graduates and could assist those who have ideas to bring to the table," said Cllr Harte.

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 07.02.11

DONEGAL North East candidate, Cllr Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said his party would scrap the Universal Social Charge and replace it with a higher tax band for people earning more than €100,000.
"The Universal Social Charge is basically a flat tax. Everyone with an income above €16,000 pays it at the same rate of 7%. As such it breaches the fundamental principal of progressive taxation – that those who have more, should pay more.
"It is also the case that the Government has not conducted research into the impacts of this tax hike or the social welfare cuts on the families affected or on local retail. They have blindly pursued a policy that is pushing ever greater numbers into poverty and deflating the economy."
He said indigenous companies would help the Irish economy recover.
"Indigenous domestic business is absolutely vital for Irish employment and these will be hard hit by the Government’s deflationary policy. Indeed Retail Excellence Ireland has recently claimed that the Universal Social Charge was crippling consumers and putting off any hope of a recovery."

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 07.02.11

ARTHRITIS sufferers from across Donegal should not be forced to make a "long and arduous" journey to Manorhamilton to attend a rheumatology clinic that should be held in Letterkenny, according to Fianna Fáil candidate for Donegal North East, Charlie McConalogue. He says he wants to see the clinic re-instated as a matter of urgency, he explained that until the second half of last year there had been a clinic in Letterkenny. “Towards the end of the year all patients from the county were told they would have to go to Manorhamilton in order to see the rheumatologist,” he said. That decision has caused great distress for many arthritis sufferers, he said, vowing to make every effort to have the clinic reinstated.

Joe McHugh (Fine Gael) 07.02.11

"ON Friday, February 25, the people of this country will vote to elect the Government that will be tasked with rebuilding Ireland. It is time to change the way we run our country. I have been selected to run as a Fine Gael candidate for the Donegal North East constituency along with my party colleague, Cllr John Ryan. At this early stage in the election campaign it is clear that Donegal North East wants a strong voice in the next Government. Fine Gael's message is simple: an FG government will rebuild this country on 5 pledges: New jobs, New politics, New healthcare, a New public sector, and a New approach to Budgets.

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 06.02.11

DONEGAL North East Fianna Fáil candidate Cllr Charlie McConalogue is urging anyone who is not registered to vote to do so before the deadline this Tuesday, February 8.
“This is the most important election in the history of the State. The choices made by voters over the next three weeks will determine our future here in Donegal. As many people as possible should have their say on February 25. For those who are not registered, take some time over the next two days to complete the necessary form, available on www.donegalcoco.ie and return it ahead of the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday."

Betty Holmes (Independent) 06.02.11

LETTERKENNY General Hospital is being downgraded "under our noses" yet no-one is listening, according to Independent election candidate, Betty Holmes.
The Newtown-based candidate revealed figures showing that, in 2009, Letterkenny General Hospital's budget was €103 million with 20,762 patient discharges. She said this was equal to funding per patient of just over €4,916.
She said the local hospital had only 2,394 patients fewer than Waterford Hospital yet funding for each patient in Waterford amounted to around €6,305, in a total budget of €146 million. According to the figures, Sligo Hospital had 4,961 patients fewer than Letterkenny, yet funding per patient there was €6,645 in a total budget of €105 million.
"Our hospital and health services are in grave danger and I’m worried that no-one is listening. We, as people and patients, cannot stand by and let them downgrade our hospital, it is happening right now under our noses. Please act now in this election or it will be too late.
"It appears from the 2009 budget allocation figures that the lives of Donegal patients are of lesser value than those at other hospitals."

Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fáil) 04.02.11

Cllr Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the news that Letterkenny General Hospital has been selected as a centre of excellence for colonoscopy screening. “People across the county will now be able to access colorectal cancer screening programme on their doorsteps. The planned programme will available to men and women aged 60-69 in 2012. In Ireland, colorectal cancer is the second most common fatal cancer among both men and women. It claims more than 900 lives every year.
“By screening for colorectal cancer, doctors can detect pre-cancerous cells and prevent the disease from setting in. This programme will be a vital tool in cancer prevention. “This is great news for Letterkenny and for patients across Donegal as endoscopy plays a major role in diagnosing colorectal cancer, and in monitoring benign conditions including peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease."

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 04.02.11

Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn has said the Labour Party is ‘all over the place’ on tax issues. “The Labour Party are all over the place on tax, they are changing their policy to suit different interests every day. This proposal on VAT is clearly to suit their future coalition partners in Fine Gael.
“VAT is a stealth tax which impacts disproportionately on the least well off.
“Sinn Féin has proposed a range of options for reform of the taxation system which do not place the burden on struggling families but instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.
“We have proposed a 1% wealth tax which would raise €1 billion per year; we have also proposed a new third rate of tax of 48% for those earning over €100,000 per year and until recently the Labour Party supported us in this proposal."

MacLochlainn tops first online poll 03.02.11

THE ever-shifting political landscape in Donegal North East has taken another twist after Fianna Fáil snubbed Cllr Dessie Larkin's attempts to join the ticket. Cllr Larkin put in a strong showing in InishowenNews.com's first online poll yesterday, creeping into second place with 108 votes. It had been widely thought the Letterkenny-based councillor would get the nod, but Fianna Fáil decided on Wednesday to run just one candidate - Inishowen's Cllr Charlie McConalogue. There was a great reaction to our fun poll with a whopping 478 votes cast yesterday. Sinn Féin's Pádraig MacLochlainn topped the poll with 150 votes, followed by Cllr Dessie Larkin and Cllr Jimmy Harte (Lab) in third place with 100 votes.

Our next online polling day will be Wednesday, February 9, and the following two Wednesdays. Cllr Larkin has now been removed from our online ballot paper and anyone who declares to run in the election before next week's closing date will be added. InishowenNews.com's editor Linda McGrory said: "We're amazed at the reaction to our first online poll. People are telling us that it's addictive and they keep checking to see who's in the lead. It's great fun but it's also giving an indication of the way our readers are leaning especially since you are only allowed one vote per computer. We hope everyone enjoys it. Someone told me it's like a night at the races!"

Padraig MacLochlainn (Sinn Féin) 01.02.11

“SINN Féin is the only party who are offering the voters a real alternative to the consensus for cuts. Following this election if Fine Gael or Labour are in government, neither party have any intention of undoing what has been done by this Government. In fact they have both stated this publicly.
Sinn Féin in government would reverse the cuts contained in the Finance Bill and introduce a new Budget. We would not increase taxes on low earners but would ensure that those who can afford to pay more pay their fair share.
We would reject the EU/IMF deal which is a digout for greedy bankers and speculators, not a bailout for Irish citizens.”

Betty Holmes (Independent) 01.02.11

"I am going forward as a totally independent candidate on one issue 'Health' to fight for all the people of the county and from my own point with special emphasis on the oncology services, the Donegal Hospice and for the protection and preservation of health services at Letterkenny General Hospital, not only for the North East but for all the people of Donegal. I have not made this decision lightly, it has been a week of little sleep and nerves in my stomach, but I still believe someone must this time get the courage to stand up to protect our health services. There is no big wheel behind me, no campaign funds, no glossy posters but I will tell you what there is. I have total belief that our health services in Donegal are in serious danger of being taken from us, I am passionate about our health, the issues and how important it is for our survival. I am hardworking and know that to achieve what you are aiming for requires daily hard work and long hours of which I am not afraid."

Jimmy Harte (Labour) 01.02.11

"This week I proposed that the incoming government look at revising the rates for businesses to take account of the difficulties faced by rural businesses. As it stands, rates are calculated on an archaic system and there is a need to revise the method of valuations. The recent threatened closure of small retail businesses in rural areas in Milford and Inishowen not to mention Letterkenny will be replicated across the county unless we deal with the prohibitive rates issues facing small rural towns. While I accept that the knock-on effect of such a measure is the reduction in income for the local council I believe that the shortfall could be made up by introducing an increase in rates on holiday homes. This money could be ring-fenced for local businesses that are struggling to survive. This would ensure that the money for services is not lost and more importantly that the funding would be allocated specifically for that particular area."

Ryan Stewart (Independent) 01.02.11

"CHILD benefit is a universal payment made to every child in the country, whether from a wealthy background or a poorer background and should never have been touched in the budget. The banking crisis means that our children and grandchildren will be paying for this throughout their working life. The payment is used by most families for the very basic requirements of raising their children, from buying baby food and nappies to contributing to keeping them secure in a warm home, and reducing this benefit is penny pinching from the most vulnerable citizens of our society, our children. To ensure that those who need the benefit get the benefit, I would propose that child benefit should be signed for monthly at local Social Welfare offices, and the full value of the benefit re-instated. This will not only tackle fraud from absentee or migrant beneficiaries, but will also allow for a reduction in payments made to those who do not actually need the payment, as for those more well-off, the inconvenience of signing on for the value of the payment may outweigh the necessity for those who are comfortable enough that they do not actually need the money."

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