Selina O Donnell to run as Independent candidate in Glenties Municipal District

Selina O’Donnell, who describes herself as a proud Convoy woman, now based in west Donegal, has declared her intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming local elections in the Glenties Municipal District (MD).

O’Donnell has strong family links to the Gortahork and Rosses areas.

O’Donnell graduated with a Law degree from NUI Galway, runs with the Rosses AC, is a current Parkrun volunteer, an Irish language enthusiast and a member of the LGBTQ community. Since working as a  tour guide, O’Donnell would like to also start her own tour guide business at some point in the future as she sees huge potential in the beautiful Donegal landscape for walking and hiking tours.

“I care about small businesses, they are integral to our communities” states O’Donnell. “If elected I will do my utmost to support local businesses in gaining grants. The government must also be lobbied to encourage more financial support for young entrepreneurs, I am sure there are many young people who have left Ireland that are living in Australia or London who would love to come back to Ireland and start their own business but they are scared because of the financial challenges.” 

As well as support for small businesses, O’Donnell feels passionate about support for the fishing industry, the re-opening of the small rural post offices and shops that have been closed, the full opening and staffing of rural Garda stations, more anti-drugs initiatives in the community, more problem drinking support and education initiatives, mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, support for the arts, the immediate building of the sea wall on Tory Island for safety reasons, stricter surveillance and penalties for illegal dumping, more funding and support for families with children who have special needs. 

Housing is another big issue on O’Donnell’s election manifesto.

“The government must act quickly to repair the huge problem in the area of housing.” States O’Donnell who is currently homeless as she has found it difficult to find a place to live in west Donegal due to the huge problem of demand over supply.

O’Donnell also wants to lobby the government to pass laws to give the right of flexi-time privileges for all parents in any jobs that may reasonably facilitate it, especially the primary carer or single parents. 

Another huge problem O’Donnell has learned about from her own personal experience is the lack of GP access in West Donegal.

“I know at least two other women living in West Donegal who do not have a GP. Access to a doctor is a basic standard.”