'People first' says Thomas Pringle as Killybegs TD confirms intent to seek re-election

Independent TD Thomas Pringle has confirmed his candidacy for the next general election.

The Killybegs-based politician says he will run on a ‘people first’ promise.

The 57-year-old will run for a fourth term as a TD. He signalled his intentions at a meeting in Killybegs on Saturday.

“As an independent, I’ve always put people first, not party,” Pringle said. “I’m for real change that will put Donegal people and people around the country at the centre of Government thinking. 

“That’s what’s been missing in Ireland, and what’s been missing with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael up to now.

“For real change for Donegal and the country, there has to be a change in Government. We are where we are because of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments and the choices they have made."

Pringle was first elected in 2011 when he usurped the then Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in the Donegal South West constituency having gained 5,845 first preferences. 

After the constituency boundaries were redrawn for the 2016 general election, Pringle retained a Dáil seat inn the Donegal constituency, elected to the last seat with only 184 votes to spare on Sinn Féin's Pádraig Mac Lochlainn.

In 2020, Pringle was re-elected again, going in on the ninth count with Joe McHugh and Charlie McConalogue at the expense of Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher. 

Deputy Pringle has vowed to maintain work on behalf of the people of Donegal.

He said:  “Putting people first means a 100% redress scheme for people affected by defective blocks that prioritises righting the wrongs done to people over cost. 

“It means childcare and health services that are available to everyone. It means ensuring that people have a right to affordable and accessible housing.

“That’s what the people deserve, rather than a government that puts the interests of business first.”