Embattled TD gets pledge for hometown

FIANNA FÁIL has rubber-stamped a plan to pump tens of thousands of euro into a community project in the home town of embattled Kerry South TD John O’Donoghue.

It has been confirmed that the Caherciveen Community Resources group has been promised a grant, worth €89,099 per annum for the next three years.

In a move likely to infuriate opponents but will earn the former Ceann Comhairle significant political credit on his home turf, it has been revealed that the funding will be made available under the Department of Social Protection’s community services programme.

Mr O’Donoghue has also confirmed that Knocknagoshel Sports and Recreational Association, which is located close to the key Kerry South election battleground of Castleisland, is to receive €108,132 a year for the next three years in addition to an operational grant of €8,000 per year.

The announcement will come as a timely boost for Mr O’Donoghue, who is fighting for his political life in the constituency following the bombshell decision of his former Fianna Fáil running-mate, Cllr Tom Fleming, to contest the election as an Independent.

The O’Donoghue camp was rocked further in recent days when influential Kerry County Council member, Cllr Michael Cahill, quit Fianna Fáil to pledge his support to Fleming’s campaign.

Confirming the grant aid for the t local projects, Mr O’Donoghue insisted both organisations had provided immense support to their communities over the years.

“I hope this funding will allow them to help even more people over the coming years,” he remarked.