Buncrana LEA: Fionán Bradley ‘overwhelmed’ as he takes seat for Fianna Fáil
The first-time candidate said being elected in his home town is 'a dream come true'
Newly elected Fianna Fáil councillor Fionán Bradley has described his performance in getting elected in the Buncrana LEAS as “a good result”.
His 847 first preferences had left him looking likely to take the seat vacated by outgoing party colleague Rena Donaghey, but his election was not confirmed until the eighth count as he emerged from a crowded field of candidates from Buncrana.
The long-standing Finna Fáil party activist said he was happy with his first preferences which had left him optimistic that he would be elected.
“It's a good result especially in the political climate that we are in with mica being a big issue, immigration being a big issue and so many big names running in Buncrana. I definitely am very happy with the result.”
After being elected he said he was overwhelmed. “It is a dream come true. I’ve always had a love of and interest in politics in my local area. For the people of Buncrana and south Inishowen to place their trust in me is unreal, especially in such challenging political circumstances.
"It really was an uphill task for Fianna Fáil to hold the three seats and we’ve done it. Our vote management strategy worked really well.”
The two main issues he would be focused on are defective blocks and the Buncrana Leisure Centre.
“ I think what has been lacking in the discourse around the defective blocks issue is that respect between parties and politicians. It could get very heated and personal and I’d hope to start anew on Monday.
"Another local issue is the Leisure Centre. Buncrana is a big seaside town, with several primary schools and there is nowhere to teach children to swim. In the lifetime of this council and very early on, I want to see the leisure centre reconstructed.”