Fianna Fáil to stick with tried and tested for Letterkenny/ Milford EA

"We have the best team in Lifford," were the words of Councillor Ciarán Brogan to a packed Silver Tassie hotel as Fianna Fáil selected its four councillors to contest the local elections in June to represent the Letterkenny/ Milford electoral area.

The four sitting councillors were selected unopposed with Rory Guerin from Fianna Fáil HQ in attendance to oversee and witness the signing of the ethics pledge by the candidates.

Councillor Liam Blaney was selected to defend his seat in the Milford area with Councillor Ciarán Brogan, Councillor Donál Coyle and Councillor Donál Mandy Kelly being selected to defend their seats in the Letterkenny area.

It was a night of emotion and drama with plenty of good humour but the focus was very firmly on the challenges which lie ahead and the determination of the councillors to deliver for the people of this area.

Former Tanáiste Mary Coughlan opened the Convention by welcoming everyone present and observing a minute's silence for the recently deceased Councillor Noreen McGarvey. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue then took charge of proceedings.

In his address to a packed house, Councillor Blaney highlighted the huge amount of money coming into the County at the minute, particularly for roads and he thanked Minister McConalogue for his tireless work in ensuring much-needed local community projects are seen to.

Councillor Blaney expressed delight at improvement works taking place at Rathmullan and Portsalon piers which is something he has fought for for 20 years.

Councillor Brogan highlighted how much improved the current mica scheme is and how this information needs to be put out there among the wider public. Councillor Brogan said €120 million has been allocated to the scheme with €20 million already paid out to homeowners and almost 400 houses currently going through the process.

Councillor Coyle re-iterated his commitment to ensuring the Ten T project gets over the line and also pledged to prioritise rural transport and work towards the provision of a decent town bus service which may go some way to alleviating traffic congestion in the town.

The extension of the public sewer system out as far as Woodlands School is also a priority for Councillor Coyle going forward. He echoed the sentiments of all present by calling for the name of Senator Niall Blaney to be added to the European ticket.

In an emotional address, Councillor Kelly recalled his late brother Councillor Manus Kelly and thanked his family, many of whom were present, for steadfastly supporting him on his journey. He highlighted a deterioration in services, the need for a Letterkenny town bus service and the proposed extension to St Eunan’s College among his main priorities.

Senator Niall Blaney addressed the Convention by highlighting the excellent work being done locally and nationally by Fianna Fáil councillors and thanking everyone for the tremendous support he received in the recent Midlands NW European Convention.

The Convention was also addressed by former TD and MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher, guest Councillor Anthony Molloy and Inishowen Councillor Paul Canning.

Minister McConalogue addressed the Convention and among the many issues which were highlighted was the new CAP deal which redresses the imbalance which had been there to now benefit the smaller farmers making the system much fairer and equitable.

The Convention was brought to a close by Mary Coughlan. It was an excellent buoyant night for Fianna Fáil with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm on display and the belief that Fianna Fáil can and will continue to deliver for the people.