Local Elections: Barry Sweeny vows to keep working for his community

It came down to the wire, but Fine Gael’s Barry Sweeny lost out in the final count of the Donegal LEA in the St John Bosco Centre in the early hours of Monday.

He was one of five councillors vying for the last four seats at a count very heavily affected by transfers. When Returning Officer Tanya Kee announced the results at around 12.30am, Barry Sweeny was not among the four to join Micheál Naughton (FF) and Noel Jordan (SF) in the next council.

Those who did succeed in securing a seat were Niamh Kennedy (Ind), Jimmy Brogan (Ind), Michael McMahon (SF) and Manus Boyle (FG). 

It was testament to the former counillor’s work ethic and team spirit that his fellow Donegal Municipal District (MD) councillors from the last term of the council all put any political differences aside to express their disappointment that, as one said, ‘a very good councillor has been lost to the MD.’

Having had a few days to reflect and let the dust settle, Barry Sweeny issued a statement thanking everyone who supported him, and vowing to keep working for his community.

He said: “It was a bit of a surprise to wake up yesterday morning and realise that I was no longer an elected representative in Donegal County Council. 

“I never take things for granted but was hopeful that I would retain my seat. I believe I have done the work, tirelessly, during my five-year term as a county councillor and that hard-earned results are evident in south Donegal and countywide. 

“I have been honoured to represent you, my constituents, and I hope I have made a positive difference to you and/or your community.

“I am extremely grateful to you who came out and entrusted me with your Number One vote. 1,271 is a good first preference vote. Sadly, just not enough this time and the transfer of twos and threes were not ‘friendly’ to me. 

“There is no such thing as a safe seat but unfortunately this was in the minds of many and on the lips of some.”

An average of 13% lower turnout than last time in the Ballyshannon boxes meant hundreds of votes were not cast. 

Mr Sweeny continued: “I have to say I’m disappointed for my area, my people, my family and myself. 

“I have laid the groundwork for lots of projects, big ideas, and worked so well with groups and officials to ensure they get established and moving forward. Most of these projects will continue, I hope. 

“Some are well on the way, funding is secured for some, some are in the early stages, all are strategic and will benefit our area greatly. I really want these to succeed and will try, somehow, to progress them as a community volunteer. 

“However, I can only do so much as a volunteer. As a man said to me, ‘that’ll not butter your parsnips’.

“It all seems very sudden, and it is time now for some stillness, thought and a bit of a reset. I really appreciate the numerous calls and messages of support, disappointment and encouragement. I will respond to each one in time.

“I have a massive thank you to extend to my supporters, my small and very dedicated canvass team for the planning, postering, knocking on doors, traipsing the roads, calling and spreading the good word, helping with media, making the tae and so much more. 

“Thanks for all my family support, Kari and the kids, parents, the bros, and all the extended family. To the Fine Gael members locally and the TDs, MEPs, Ministers, Senators who came to help the campaign, to all non-political supporters who helped canvass and promote my case, your strong support means a lot – thanks. 

“Congrats and best wishes to our six Donegal MD councillors, Mickey, Niamh, Michael, Noel, Jimmy and my party colleague, Manus. 

“There will be another day, time will tell. I am proud and happy with what I've done, and I won't be disappearing any time soon ... and one thing for sure, Ballyshannon will not be caught short the next time.”