Councillor Liam Doherty won't seek re-election

Convoy-based Councillor Liam Doherty will not be seeking to retain his seat at the forthcoming local elections.

Sinn Féin Councillor Doherty is the current Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District.

He has been a County Councillor since he was first elected in 2014, when he polled 1,054 first preference votes.

In that election, he had Castlefin’s Councillor Gary Doherty were elected to serve as Sinn Féin Councillors in the Lifford-Stranorlar MD.

“I feel the upcoming election is the right time to stand aside and allow someone else to come forward to continue the work I have done,” Councillor Doherty said.

“I do intend to see out the rest of my mandate and will work hard for the people who elected me until the last day of the term.”

Councillor Doherty said he was able to ‘bring a strong republican voice to Donegal County Council’ during his time representing his area in the County House in Lifford.

He said: “I’ve been able to work closely with the various different community groups, residents and businesses located in the region to help promote and develop the area.

“I’ve managed to deliver a number of important initiatives and projects for the area in that time.

“It’s been a real privilege to have had the opportunity to represent the Finn Valley and surrounding area and I’ll work to help my party colleagues who will seek a mandate in the coming months to continue the work.

“Sinn Féin and Irish republicanism have been a massive part of my life and nothing will change in this regard. I will turn my attention to party activism and seek to support my community however I can.”

The party is due to hold a selection convention next Thursday, February 15, in Ballybofey.

Deputy Pearse Doherty paid tribute to Councillor Doherty, who he said is a ‘committed and hard-working public representative and has been since first winning his seat’.

“I want to thank Liam for the huge contribution he has made as a Sinn Féin councillor for the Finn Valley and surrounding area over the past 10 years,” Deputy Doherty said.

“He is a very hands-on councillor, who is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in. You could always feel the respect people have for him and his work-ethic on the doorsteps.

“He has also been a driving force behind the party’s success in the county and we could not have grown the party to what it is today without him. For that, the party are eternally grateful.”