‘We still have an independent female on Donegal County Council because of you’

It was a long and nerve-wracking day for Niamh Kennedy and her team as they awaited news that the independent councillor had retained her seat on Donegal County Council.

The independent councillor was one of two councillors to exceed the quota on the eleventh count in the Donegal LEA. The result was announced shortly after 12.30am, with Cllr Kennedy finishing third behind Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) and Cllr Noel Jordan (SF) who had already been elected. 

Having been eighth in the tallies and after the first count, Cllr Kennedy transferred very well to pull back to such a strong position. 

Cllr Kennedy said: “Thank you to everyone for their Number One on the ballot paper. The numbers were obviously down due to the amount of candidates in close proximity and the ‘ah sure she is safe’ banter. 

“We nearly lost it, the goodbye speech was ready but thankfully your second preferences brought me through. From being eights on the tallies to being elected exceeding the quota after the first two candidates were elected was seismic. 

“We did it! 

“All the heavy hitters were in force. We should be so very proud. Thank you to the people in Glencolmcille, Carrick, Kilcar, Killybegs, Bruckless, Dunkineely, Frosses, Inver, Mountcharles, Donegal, Laghy, Ballintra, Pettigo, Ballyshannon and Bundoran.

“To the most amazing team of warrior women and faithful men you did this for us. You should be so proud. I most certainly am and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“This election was so different from topping the poll in 2014 and 2019; we got the results by being in third place but my gosh it was so much more exciting. 

“We still have an Independent female on Donegal County Council because of you.

“Thank you one and all.”