Donegal politician set to remarry 02.10.07

DONEGAL North East T.D., Dr James McDaid is set to tie the knot for a second time later this week. The 57-year-old former Government minister is due to marry his long-term partner Siobhan O'Donnell on Saturday afternoon in a registry office in Derry, believed to be the Guildhall.

The couple announced in early September their intention to marry, to satisfy a legal requirement that they give at least two weeks' notice. Couples are not required to be resident in the North to marry there once they have given adequate notice. Dr. McDaid and his first wife, Marguerite were divorced in 2004. He has two sons and a daughter from his first marriage while he has a young son
with his bride-to-be. The couple, who live in Letterkenny, are expected to have a low-key nuptials with just the bride and groom and two witnesses in attendance. The Fianna Fail politician and GP was Sports and Tourism Minister when he was in cabinet. He has held his Dáil seat since 1989 despite a series of controversies including his remarks about suicide victims and his conviction for drink driving. This year, however, he did not enjoy his usual landslide return to Dáil Eireann after Fine Gael rival Joe McHugh topped the poll.
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