Constituency profile: Galway West

The one certainty is that Eamon O’Cuiv’s seat could be the safest in Ireland — even though politicians hate hearing that.

Constituency changes, a packed race, and a split between the city and county makes the calling of this five-seater quite difficult.

In Galway City, voter concerns run from the run-down emergency department at the city centre hospital to water charges and the lack of jobs and housing.

Further west, door knocks throw up complaints about phone coverage, broadband, recent flooding, road improvements, and farming.

Some say the boundary transfer of south Mayo into north Galway suits the outgoing TD best.

Beyond Éamon de Valera’s grandson, there will be a seat or possibly two for Fine Gael. The question, though, is for whom?

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are running three candidates each.

According to locals, you don’t get transfers here.

And unless there’s a presence on the ground, you don’t get a seat.

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Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne is favourite after O’Cuiv to keep his seat, especially since party colleague Brian Walsh retired recently.

However, the move by Fine Gael’s John O’Mahony into the constituency from Mayo, along with part of that area, could eat up part of Kyne’s support.

Party senator Hildegarde Naughton will focus on the east of the constituency, but the party is unlikely to get three seats.

Another favourite for a seat is Independent TD Noel Grealish.

The former Progressive Democrat will escape anti-government sentiment against water charges and housing problems.

Observers say there is one left-wing seat here, which is expected to be fought over between sitting Labour TD Derek Nolan and Independent Catherine Connelly, formerly of the same party.

Sinn Féin senator Trevor O’Clochartaigh will put up a fight for a seat. But it’s hard seeing voters giving three of five to candidates in western parts of the constituency — if O’Cuiv and Kyne are reportedly so secure.

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