Fine Gael welcomes new Inishowen councillor, Johnny McGuinness

Donegal’s newest councillor has been hailed as a “businessman, a community man and an advocate for the culture of Donegal”.

Culdaff man Johnny McGuinness was last week elected unanimously by the Fine Gael Party to step into the role of Councillor after the death of his father, the late Cllr Bernard McGuinness.

Johnny, aged 46, is the manager of the family business, McGuinness’ Bar and Shop in Culdaff.  He will become a co-opted member of Donegal County Council at the adjourned plenary meeting on Monday 7th February.

McGuinness’ new role was confirmed at a virtual Fine Gael co-option convention last Thursday which was attended by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Deputy Joe McHugh, MEP Maria Walsh, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh and Cllr. Barry Sweeny as well as many local party members who connected remotely. 

Cllr. Bernard McGuinness served the people of Inishowen in County Donegal for 42 years. He was first elected to Donegal County Council in 1979 and was elected as a Councillor on eight occasions. He also served as a Chairman of the Council and contested in three General Elections. In his later work, Cllr. McGuinness was commended for his dedication to the families and communities affected by Mica.

Chairing the virtual Fine Gael Convention, MEP Maria Walsh shared her condolences to the family of Cllr. Bernard McGuinness, especially his beloved wife Jan; “Bernard was a pillar not just for the communities across Donegal but the Fine Gael Party since his first election in 1979. The passing of the torch to Johnny is a right of passage” MEP Walsh shared. 

Joe McHugh T.D. also extended his condolences and welcomed Cllr Johnny McGuinness to the role. He shared “Johnny is a businessman, a community man and an advocate for the culture of Donegal. He will make a fantastic representative in Donegal”.

The new Fine Gael Inishowen representative, Cllr. Johnny McGuinness, indicated how humbled he felt to receive the support of the Party and how honoured he is to take on this role, work for the people of Donegal and ensure families and communities know he is ready to work on their behalf.