Dermot Quigley celebrates being elected with his sister Collette.
The SDLP is bracing itself for one of its heaviest ever defeats in Derry ahead of counting resuming today in the election for the new Derry-Strabane “Super Council.”
Counting has yet to begin in three of the five District Electoral Areas (DEAs) but it is predicted a total of three Independent candidates from the city – including prominent dissident republican supporter Gary Donnelly – will be among the 40 councillors on the new Derry-Strabane council.
Independent Gary Donnelly.
The SDLP has already lost a seat in the Ballyarnett DEA where Independent Dermot (Dee) Quigley – who is at the forefront of a campaign for the establishment of a detox centre in the North West – took the seat once held by Jimmy Carr, the SDLP candidate who lost the support of the party 48 hours before Thursday’s historic election.
Following his election, Cllr Quigley dedicated his victory to his nephew, Andrew Quigley (19), who took his own life in the River Foyle earlier this year after losing a battle with a drug and alcohol addiction.
Speaking after his election, he said he felt “very humbled and proud” the community had voted for him.
He added: “The voice of the people hasn’t been listened to, and it was a time for a change.
“The council in Derry needs a fresh voice. I have a passion for the community and working hard.”
Although counting will only begin today in the Moor Ward, “tallymen” have indicated Gary Donnelly has gained sufficient first preference votes to get him elected – taking the seat held by the SDLP veteran Jim Clifford, who is not seeking re-election.
The “tallymen” are also predicting success for Independent Darren O’Reilly in the Foyleside DEA, once again at the expense of the SDLP with the 27-year-old youth co-ordinator with Rosemount Resource Centre expected to top the poll.
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