Local elections: Martin Scanlon causes seismic shock in Lifford-Stranorlar

A new era in the political landscape of the Finn Valley will dawn with Glenfin's Martin Scanlon set to top the poll.

The independent candidate garnered a stunning 1,388 first preference votes, according to the tally figures collated on Saturday.

Scanlon is now poised to be the first Councillor in the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District to be held aloft at the Finn Valley Centre on Sunday – and says simple messaging appealed to an area of Donegal he believes has been forgotten for too long.

“Overwhelmed,” Scanlon said as he surged to the top of the poll.

“I can't get over how well I've done and I want to thank the people of the Finn Valley for coming out to support me. We picked up votes all around, not just in Glenfin and Ballybofey.

“A lot of it might be disillusionment with the parties. I knew once I headed down into the Finn Valley that I would be in the mix.

“I will certainly try and put new life into it. It will be a completely different Council now to what we have had.”

Scanlon points to the decline of population numbers in his home parish, which had dwindled down from 3,600 at the turn of the century to its present 1,300.

Now, he will get to lend his voice to the next Donegal County Council as one of the Independents in the County House in Lifford.

He said: “I had a simple message and people listened to it. They listened to what I was saying and planning to do. They understood what I am going to stand for: Looking after rural areas and trying to keep services in St Joseph's Hospital are two huge issues for me.

“Rural areas have been neglected for the last number of years. We have been left behind when it comes to investment.

“I will work with other councillors for the benefit of the whole area. I won't get these things done on my own but I am willing to work for the whole of the Finn Valley.”

Surrounded by some of his family and supporters, Scanlon seemed as if he could scarcely believe himself what was transpiring.

He said: “I always had an interest in politics, but running for election was a far-off thought. I just said that I would throw my hat in the ring. I was looking for a seat, but I never would have thought I would top the poll. Someone has to put the head on the line and I'm glad I did it."