Donegal Democrat editorial: Wheels in motion for Dáil battle

Political parties in Donegal are firmly gearing up for a General Election expected to take place in the early months of 2024.

Fianna Fáil councillors Micheál Naughton and Donal 'Mandy' Kelly have confirmed that they will seek a nomination from the party.

The announcement on Wednesday of Nikki Bradley as the Taoiseach's nomination for a post in the Seanad has prompted speculation that she could be the heir to the seat held by Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh.

These are testing times for those entrusted with formulating a strategy for the parties.

Those who will knock on doors over the winter months will hear of a variety of issues from prospective voters.

A defective concrete blocks scheme that is plainly inadequate for homeowners remains a subject that seems, sadly, no closer to a viable solution. It is, without doubt, a sole issue that could define the election of Donegal's five TDs.

Another winter looms for affected homeowners in buildings that are, literally, crumbling around them.

The 100% Redress party will surely enter the running for a Dáil seat after taking 7,400 first preferences in the local election.

That vote will be food for thought, not just for the 100% Redress party, but their political rivals.

The Inishowen area, the epicentre of the defective concrete blocks crisis, has two TDs - the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Sinn Féin's Padraig Mac Lochlainn.

Sinn Féin lost Mac Lochlainn's seat in 2016 after adopting a three-candidate strategy. A similar move is being tipped again, but it's one littered with pitfalls and obstacles, as both they and Fianna Fáil will be aware.

McConalogue is the sole Fianna Fáil TD in Donegal after Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher was usurped in 2020.

It is clear that Kelly and Naughton - the respective Letterkenny and Donegal electoral area pole toppers – now have Dáil ambitions.

Fine Gael face a battle to hold onto their seat while Thomas Pringle will mount a strong canvas again.

The battle lines will soon be drawn.