Galway West By-Elections Talks Have Already Begun a Week Out From the Presidential Election
By Erin Gahan
With support for Catherine Connolly significantly ahead of Heather Humphrey’s in the run up to the election this Friday 24 October, the chances of a by-election in Galway West are looking very likely.
Nomination discussions have already begun within Fine Gael, according to The Sunday Times, with Senator Seán Kyne named as the “frontrunner” from the party. Galway City councillors Clodagh Higgins and Eddie Hoare are viewed within Fine Gael as the most likely to challenge Kyne at a selection convention, should a by-election occur.
Eibhlín Seoigthe, the former Social Democrats turned independent councillor, was named as “an early favourite” on the left in the same article. When speaking to Galway Pulse, Seoigthe gave no comment to her position in a potential by-election, stating her focus remains on the presidential election and ensuring “a good turnout” on the day.
Another popular choice on the left, Social Democrats councillor for Galway City West Alan Curran, told Galway Pulse “ I’ve obviously put a huge amount of thought into running, and with Catherine looking more likely to take the election next week, it’s important that the Social Democrats are in a strong position to contest for her seat.
I’ve a young family and a full-time job as a teacher which I love, so before I make a decision, I need to consider the impact a run for the Dáil will have on them, and whether I can find a work-life balance.
Ultimately, it is a decision for the party, and if I was to run, I would be one of a number of candidates that would be seeking a nomination.”
Fianna Fail councillor for Galway City East Alan Cheevers seems to be another likely name on the ballot, quoted in The Sunday Times saying, “I’ve had five or six calls in the past fortnight about it. It’s become realistic that there’ll be a by-election.
I was recovering from surgery at the last general election and couldn’t canvass, but I’m back to full health now.
If members felt I could represent them, I’d certainly consider it.”
Galway City Mayor and independent councillor Mike Cubbard was also quoted in The Sunday Times saying he has been asked whether he would consider running in a by-election, were it to happen.
“It’s a big undertaking. It’s a lot to consider. Catherine and I are from the same place, and we have the same voter pool so I haven’t ruled it out, but I would have to discuss it with my family first.”
