Ireland

FF likely to do well in elections to Udaras board, says MRBI poll

Fianna Fail is set to do well in today's elections for the new Udaras na Gaeltachta board

By IRISH TIMES REPORTER
Sat Dec 04 1999 - 00:00

Fianna Fail is set to do well in today's elections for the new Udaras na Gaeltachta board. According to an MRBI poll for Raidio na Gaeltachta, Fianna Fail candidates are likely to win at least half of the seats assigned to each of the three biggest Gaeltachts, in Co Donegal, Co Galway and Co Kerry.

Udaras na Gaeltachta's new increased board will have 17 elected members, two appointed members and an appointed chairman.

The board will be in charge of spending over £150 million on economic and social development in the Gaeltacht over the next five years. Polls open at 9 a.m. today and will close at 10 p.m. The count will take place tomorrow. Favourites for the four Donegal seats, according to the MRBI poll, are Mr David Alcorn (FF), Mr Padraig O Ceallaigh (Ind. FF) and Mr Seamus Mac Ruaidhrigh (Labour), with a close battle predicted for the fourth seat between Mr Padraig O Dochartaigh (FG) and Mr Brian O Domhnaill (FF) (21), who wants to give young people a voice on the board.

In Galway, it looks like the six Connemara seats will go to Mr Sean O Neachtain (FF), Mr Pol O Foighil (FG), Mr Sean O Tuairisg (FF), Mr Sean Creaven (PD), Ms Connie Ni Fhatharta (FF), and Seosamh O Cuaig (Ind.), who has gained the support of the former minister for arts, culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Michael D. Higgins.

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In Kerry, Mr Breandan Mac Gearailt (FF) and Mr Seamus Chosai Mac Gearailt (FG) are likely to top the poll. Co Mayo's two seats on the board are likely to go to Mr Tadhg O Cuinn (FF) and Mr Ian Mac Aindriu (FG), while Mr Micheal O Scannaill (FG) is the favourite for Co Cork's one seat.

In the Co Waterford Gaeltacht of Ring, Mr Fiachra O Ceilleachair (Labour) is a firm favourite, while the Co Meath Gaeltacht of Rathcairn, is likely to be the scene of the fiercest competition, between Mr Padraig Mac Donncha and Mr Cathal Seoighe.

The main issues in the campaigns have been roads, employment, health and community development. Although Udaras na Gaeltachta is not in charge of roads, it was their state which was the most important issue for the electorate.