Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has stood by his assertion that cannot be taken seriously as an Independent candidate and has accepted Pádraig Doherty’s challenge of a debate.
Independent candidate Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easpuig has challenged Padraig Doherty to a debate.
Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily, “I have now made arrangements for a venue, all Councillor Doherty has to do is name the date and I will debate with him what it means to be an Independent.
“Having failed to win the dirty dog-fight of internal party politics and get a Fine Gael nomination, Councillor Doherty, is now putting himself forward as an Independent.
“If he is successful, will he sit as a Fine Gael councillor? Under this government our county has suffered hugely from the austerity agenda in terms of forced emigration, reduced incomes, property tax, post office closures to name only a few, he added.
“By using Independent as a flag of convenience, Councillor Doherty doesn’t have to accept any responsibility for all this, it is not an honest position.
Mac Giolla Easbuig continued, “I’m angry because his stance devalues the label of Independent for those of us who believe that being genuinely Independent is very important.
“The political parties play their games in Lifford and do what is in their interests.
Mac Giolla Easbuig concluded by saying, “We need genuine Independents who will challenge them, who will only be answerable to the people and community they represent, rather than pleasing the party machine.
“I will gladly debate with Councillor O Dochartaigh in a forum where the public can also come and have their say,the venue is ready, all we await is the response from Councillor Doherty.