Aontú selects ‘grafter’ Emmet Doyle for Foyle
Former councillor Emmet Doyle has been announced as Aontú candidate in Foyle and the Ballyarnett DEA for both the Stormont and Council elections in May next year.
Mr Doyle was announced to the press at the party’s National Think-In today (Saturday, September 12) in Derry’s Maldron Hotel.
I have real ambition to see this City I love get more opportunities
Speaking at the event, Party Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín said: “Emmet is an extremely hard worker on the ground across Derry and has real ambition for his beloved City. He narrowly lost his seat in Ballyarnett at the last Council election, which we believe we can now recover as a result of his steadfast work on the cost of living, housing and his common-sense approach to serving people in the community every day of the week.
“As a former Stormont adviser, putting Emmet in to bat for Derry can reverse the ignorance the Assembly and Executive have shown Foyle.
“He can and will deliver real results and has years of experience in standing up for those who need it most. I am looking forward to getting out on doors alongside him as part of the DoyleforFoyle team,” said mr Tóibín.
Mr Doyle said he was “delighted to have been selected to contest both Foyle and Ballyarnett in the upcoming elections”.
“I am more exercised than ever about how Stormont has failed our city and how the same parties that run both our Council and the Assembly have squandered the opportunity to lead and deliver in Derry,” he added.
“I have real ambition to see this City I love get more opportunities, to see our young people want to stay and thrive here and to make Derry a positive place to live, work and invest. I lost my seat in the last election despite gaining more first preferences than some of those ultimately elected, but rather than resting on my laurels, I have continued to offer my services to people who need advice and support.
“I will be pulling no punches in addressing how the establishment parties have failed us and failed to deliver on promises they made to the people, or worse, dodge accountability for decisions they have taken, such as the 27% hike in MLA wages and a legacy of ever-increasing domestic rate rises.
“We are going into May with confidence, energy and focus to serve the people of this fantastic City.”