Race to replace Catherine Connolly: Galway West by-election contenders begin to emerge

Parties are weighing their options as Galway West prepares for a by-election following Catherine Connolly’s election as president

One possible wildcard in the mix is Eamon Ó Cuiv, former deputy leader of Fianna Fáil who retired from politics at the 2024 general election. File photo: Leah Farrell: RollingNews.ie

With the election of Catherine Connolly as the 10th President of Ireland, there is now a vacancy in the Galway West constituency.

This means a by-election is on the horizon — the first of the current Dáil.

However, it is unlikely to happen imminently, as the writ for the election which is needed to be signed can happen within six months of the vacancy arising in the Dáil.

This means it could be April or May before posters go up across Galway city, Clifden, Oranmore and Oughterard to elect Ms Connolly’s successor.

Who is in the running?

Fianna Fáil

One possible wildcard in the mix is Eamon Ó Cuiv, former deputy leader of Fianna Fáil who retired from politics at the 2024 general election.

Before last Friday’s election, Mr Ó Cuiv remained coy about the prospect of a run.

While he said he was “retired” from politics, he told the Irish Examiner people should “never make a decision what to do at the next crossroads until you get there”.

One source in Galway said the party would need to run someone who speaks Irish to attract voters in Connemara.

Fine Gael

The most high-profile name for Fine Gael is Sean Kyne, currently a senator

Mr Kyne previously won a seat for the party in Galway West in 2016, but lost it in 2020 and was unsuccessful in 2024.

He originally planned to step back from politics after his 2024 defeat, but returned to the upper house of the Oireachtas and was made leader of the Seanad.

Mr Kyne said he has not ruled out a run, having been asked to consider it by supporters.

Sean Kyne is an option for Fine Gael. File photo: Rolingnews.ie

“I’ll reflect on it and make a decision in the new year,” Mr Kyne said.

Another name in the mix is former Galway city mayor, Eddie Hoare.

Sinn Féin

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the party plans to run a candidate in the election, citing how sitting TD Mairead Farrell was the polltopper in 2024.

Possible options include the party's sitting Galway City councillor Aisling Burke.

Labour

Having run in 2024, sitting councillor Helen Ogbu is the most likely choice for Labour. 

However, two other sitting councillors John McDonagh and Níall McNeilis could also seek the party’s nomination.

Social Democrats

The Social Democrats could face difficulties selecting a candidate for the election, given that one of their two councillors in the constituency resigned from the party earlier this year.

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Eibhlín Seoighthe left in August, leaving just Alan Curran as the party’s sole representative on the council.

If Mr Curran does not fancy a Dáil run, the party may need to look elsewhere.

Independent Ireland

The first candidate to throw his hat in the ring was Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas.

Mr Thomas is a former Fianna Fáil councillor who left the party amid a row over asylum seeker accommodation.

He fought the general election last year, but lost to Independent TD Noel Grealish, who was elected on the final count.

Independents

There are several independents who could make waves in the by-election.

This includes incumbent Galway mayor Mike Cubbard, or the Oughterard-based Tom Welby.

Mr Welby is a former member of the Progressive Democrats and is closely linked to Noel Grealish.