Local elections: Declan Meehan takes triple jump to cusp of Council election

Declan Meehan has tripled his vote from 2019 and stands on the verge of election to Donegal County Council.

The Milford community worker polled 1,712 first preferences. Tally figures placed him ahead of Liam Blaney (Fianna Fail), Pauric McGarvey (Independent) and John O'Donnell (Independent).

Voting for the Milford area's three seats will take place in Letterkenny on Sunday and it looks like McGarvey and O'Donnell will have an arm wrestle for the third seat in the area.

Five years ago, Meehan missed out when he claimed 677 first preference votes.

“I have been given a very strong mandate by the electorate - and I look forward to working on the issues of the people,” Meehan told Donegal Live.

“Delighed with the news that it looks like I will top the poll and tripled my vote in a really, really competitive electoral area.

“We knew that we were up againstit. It is so difficult to take a seat from an incumbent. It will be quite tight for the third seat. We knew that we would be in for a tall order, but to surpass that and top the poll, I couldn't be happier.

“It is a serious surge. I believe it is down to people getting to me better.”

Meehan is the manager of the Milford Resource Centre, is centrally involved in the Rye Community Group and on the Board of Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC).

He said: “I had a track record that I could point to in terms of delivery. People don't want this narrative that is going on at the minute – they want things done. That is, ultimately, what it has come down to. Having the community worker ethos.

“I want to work on the ground in the community with people. It didn't take much to kick-start a campaign from that. I really did believe that I was in contention for a seat – but I am surprised to have topped the poll.”

Meehan described his campaign as a 'progressive, inclusive ticket'.

He has been actively involved in integrating refugees into the area.

He said: “I have tried to provide opportunities for people to come together. That has fostered amazing relationships and connections. I have run a progressive, inclusive ticket and have topped the poll by doing that.”

Meehan says he is looking forward to working with the 100% Redress Party, who will have at least three Councillors on the new Donegal County Council.

He said: “One of the biggest issues that is in control of the Council is pushing forward for a scheme to remediate the houses owned by the Council that people are living in. That has to be starting point – and I look forward to working with the 100% Redress Party on that.

“We have fallen so far behind on social housing in Donegal. We really need a big push to work to deliver the houses needed in the Milford electoral area."