Three in running Galway West by-election as FF decide
A large turnout is expected, according to Galway West TD John Connolly, who won the seat previously held by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív for more than two decades.
The party will choose its candidate to contest the vacancy created following the election of Catherine Connolly as President of Ireland last November.
The three candidates contesting the nomination are Galway City East Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Alan Cheevers; and Galway County Councillors Cillian Keane in Oranmore and Máirtín Lee in Conamara.
Deputy Connolly said the contest had been a positive process and predicted a strong attendance on the night.
“It’s been a great process for the party,” he said.
“The three candidates have been working hard to put their case to delegates and I would expect a good crowd at the convention on Sunday evening.
I am looking forward to the convention
“All three candidates are hardworking councillors and I would expect that following the convention, the party will be building a very strong campaign for the next two to three months.”
Cllr Cheevers said he decided to put his name forward after engaging with members and supporters in recent weeks.
“I am looking forward to the convention,” he said.
“I believe it’s important that members select their candidate. I am the most experienced candidate in the field. I’m putting forward my track record of experience, delivery and hard work.”
Cllr Lee, from Tír an Fhia, has highlighted issues affecting the Gaeltacht since his election to Galway County Council in 2024, while Cllr Keane is the youngest elected member of the local authority, representing the Athenry/Oranmore area.
“I really enjoyed meeting the delegates over the last few weeks who have spoken of their frustrations within the party,” said Cllr Keane.
“I am looking forward to a good healthy contest. The experience will stand to whoever the candidate is. To have gone through this process, they will have the endorsement of the organisation at the grassroots level.”
Minister Dara Calleary will act as Director of Elections.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.