Disappointment for independent candidates

THE 2019 local government election was notable for the rise of independent councillors on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

However, it was a different outcome this time around as several independent candidates lost their seats to the established parties.

Veteran councillor, Dr Josephine Deehan, bucked the trend by retaining her seat as an independent with a total of 940 votes.

However, Emmet McAleer was unsucessful in his bid to hold onto the seat he secured four years ago, while Fermanagh-based independents Donal O’Cofaigh and Eamon Keenan also lost out.

Mr McAleer, a strong opponent of goldmining in the Sperrins, held out until the last round of the Mid-Tyrone counting.

But his seat was snatched by the SDLP’s Bernard McGrath.

Afterwards, Mr McAleer said, “Thanks to all those who voted, canvassed, supported and encouraged me over the past four years, it’s been emotional. Out of the council, but the activism continues.”

In Omagh town, independent newcomer Kathy Dunphy was eliminated in the second round, with 85 votes.

Socialist Party representative, Amy Ferguson, was also eliminated with 76 votes.