Sheila Garrity, independent candidate in the forthcoming Galway West by-election, wants to hear from residents and plans to hold weekly community meetings to do just that. The first in the series will be held in Shantalla tonight Thursday (Feb. 12 ) from 7-8pm in St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Ashe Road.
“The purpose is to meet people locally, for those I don’t know to meet me and get to know me,” Garrity explained. “It’s about hearing how things are going in local areas – what is working well? Why do people love living where they do? What needs attention?
“I believe that local people know the solutions to local challenges. What they need is someone to sit down and listen, then work alongside them, to elevate their voices. I am to be that type of representative, if I am successful in this by-election.”
Since launching her campaign last month, Ms Garrity has focused on key issues, including attending housing emergency meetings arranged by the Social Democrats and joining Galway Bay FM and GOCOM Radio discussions to discuss housing, homelessness and childcare.
Garrity for Galway will hold community meetings on Thursday from 7-8pm throughout February and March. Additional meetings are scheduled for:
Feb. 19: Oughterard, Community Centre, Main St.
Feb. 26: Ballybane, Community Centre, Castlepark Road
March 5: Clonboo, Regan’s Pub, Clonboo, Corrandulla
March 12: Clifden, Alcock & Brown, Market Square
March 26: Oranmore, Community Centre, Dublin Road, Frenchfort
Ms Garrity is seeking to fill the seat vacated by the election of Catherine Connolly as President in November. The Taoiseach confirmed last week that by-elections are intended to be held in Galway West and Dublin Central during the month of May.
More information is available at garrityforgalway.ie or through the campaign’s social media sites.
