'I have no doubt that I will be back': Michéal Naughton

Councillor Michéal Naughton has vowed to bounce back after missing out on a place on the Fianna Fáil General Election ticket – and is urging national politicians to return the 9 per cent VAT rate for the tourism sector.

The south Donegal Councillor lost a vote to become a candidate alongside sitting Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. Delagates from the Donegal South area of the Donegal Comhairle Dáil Ceantair voted instead to select Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher as their candidate.

Naughton, who rocketed to the top of the poll in the Donegal local electoral area at the recent Local Election, said he was honoured to have been given a nomination, which he contested at a selection convention in the Clanree Hotel.

“I am disappointed - who isn't disappointed when they don't win?” Naughton said. “It's not always about winning, but about competing – and we surely competed here tonight.

“At least we brought people out from Pettigo to Creeslough, from Lifford to Malin Beg and the people from the top of Inishowen.

“I was honoured to be nominated by my people who I have worked so hard for.”

Naughton, who is the President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), is also the general manager of the Clanree. Following a difficult summer for the hospitality and tourism sector, he called for the Minister to “have a look” at reinstating the 9 per cent VAT rate for tourism and other small businesses.

Naughton garnered over 1,800 first preference votes when he stood in June. While he wasn't selected at Thursday's convention, Naughton believes he will get a chance again.

He said: “I was delighted when people came and asked me. People wanted me on the tickey, but unfortunately it didn't happen. I have no doubt that I will be back.

“I don't take things laying down or easily, but we will have another day.

“We have to look to the future for the party. If we all work together for the betterment of the paty, I have no doubt that we can return two seats for Fianna Fáil at the General Election."