Independent Declan Clune speaks on endorsing Fine Gael’s John Cummins

Independent Cllr Declan Clune has canvassed with Fine Gael’s John Cummins during his general election campaign.

Clune, who was formerly part of Sinn Féin before turning Independent in 2020, said that Cummins "is head and shoulders" above other candidates.

“I would have worked with John behind the scenes from 2017 on the council, and since I became an Independent if I had anything that would be above what council could do I would go to John with it and he always came through for me.

“I appreciated that, because there’s only a certain amount you can do with the council. With certain things you need national input and there was never a question from John he would do it for me if he could, no questions asked.

Independent Matt Shanahan and Conor McGuinness of Sinn Féin will be battling for the final seat, with Cummins now elected, and Mary Butler soon to retain her seat.

Speaking after count seven, Cllr Clune said that it looks as if McGuinness is most likely to snatch a seat, but that it will be close between the pair.

“At the moment you’d have to favor McGuinness because he has a bit of a lead but the big unknown is transfers from the east of the county. Mary Roche and the Greens for example, where will they go? They could easily push Matt up, but equally McGuinness is going to get some as well, he won’t remain static. It’s all to play.”