General Election: Ward optimistic but not thinking too far ahead

Charles Ward admits it doesn’t bear thinking about if he doesn’t get elected to Dáil Éireann.

Following the tallies, Ward - a native of Arranmore living in Drumkeen - is fifth with five seats up for grabs in the Donegal constituency, with 6,857 first preferences - having endured an up-and-down sort of afternoon at the Aura Centre in Letterkenny.

With four councillors elected in the locals in June - Joy Beard, Denis McGee, Ali Farren and Tomás Seán Devine - the 100% Redress Party’s momentum has been gathering. However, Ward says it’s vital to continue that trajectory onto Dáil Éireann.

READ NEXT: Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher says votes vindicated political return

“It’s vital for us, to send a message to Dublin,” Ward said. “Right now we’re not being heard. There are 10,000 families affected by this but in Dublin, we don't exist to them. There are been 60 houses built in three years and there are 5,000 to go as they can't get the money. It's not 100 per cent redress. “It’s by far the biggest problem in Donegal and we need a voice in Dublin. If I don’t get in it will be bad for the campaign and we need a voice in Dublin.”

Ward is looking both up and down. After the tallies, he’s behind Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue, who sits on 8,100, and 1,513 in front of Thomas Pringle - who has a reputation for being transfer-friendly.

“I hope it’s between me and Charlie,” Ward said. “I have great respect for Thomas and would hope it doesn’t come down to that. You just don't know. I’m optimistic but not allowing myself to think I’m surging ahead. It’s a psychological thing with me now, when you’re in it, people are coming up to you and asking and making sure you’re alright. It’s pressure. If we’re in it till the end then we’re in it till the end.”