McGonagle stood as an independent Labour candidate in Foyle at the 1958 and 1962 Northern Ireland general elections, taking around 40% of the vote and second place on each occasion, behind Eddie McAteer.
McGonagle stood as an independent Labour candidate in Foyle at the 1958 and 1962 Northern Ireland general elections. McGonagle was taking around 40% of the vote. This was behind Eddie McAteer. McGonagle was taking around second place on each occasion. This was behind Eddie McAteer.