Sinn Féin Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said he is extremely proud of the republican community in Donegal after the huge success of a fundraiser in aid of the John Downey Defence Fund.
Some 500 republicans from across the county packed into the Lagoon in Termon along with Sinn Féin representatives from Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan, Belfast and Mayo.
Mr Downey is in police custody in London after being arrested in connection with the Hyde Park Bombings.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said the event was a huge statement of support for John and a morale boost for his friends and family.
“The wrongful arrest of our friend and colleague, John Downey, shocked the people of Donegal and the wider republican family across Ireland.
“It was vindictive and wrong. But as evidenced by Saturday ‘s event, John’s arrest has motivated the republican community. I was proud to see the people of Donegal rally in such huge numbers behind the Downey family.
“I am also proud of my Sinn Féin colleagues from across Ireland who also came along to show their support for John. The presence of an MEP, an MP, an MLA, TDs and many councillors shows the political support that the campaign for John’s release has received. Their presence adds to the political support that was demonstrated in Donegal County Council recently after cross-party support for a motion calling for his release was passed.
“We now need to continue this campaign, defend the peace process and have John Downey returned home to his family immediately.”