Mayor Mike Cubbard will run in the Galway West by-election as a “progressive independent” to champion Galway nationally in the Dáil.
This progressiveness is not US-style liberalism, says Cubbard, but a desire to “progress” Galway by improving infrastructure, housing, healthcare and opportunities for young people.
“If the Government asks for my support, I will judge every decision on whether it is good for Galway. If it is, I will back it. If it is not, I will not support it,” he said.
The mid-May election will be Cubbard’s fifth attempt to win a seat since he first ran as a 25-year-old in 2011. He has served on Galway City Council since 2014, and in 2025 became the first independent councillor in 125 years to hold the mayoralty three times.
“I believe in fair public services, and strong support for families and communities. Anyone who knows my work will tell you: I will work with anyone if it means delivering results,” says Cubbard, describing his political outlook as “centre-left”.
He says leftist ‘vote left, transfer left’ groups approached him weeks ago, before he had decided to run. He has not signed up, but will not rule it out either. “People do want someone left-leaning in Galway – not another government TD.”
The city councillor, cardiac charity fundraiser and soccer referee says the traditional response of having to check with supporters and family before announcing candidacy was particularly pertinent for him, as his family faced a prolonged period of intimidation in person and online over recent years.
“I’ve come to the realisation that social media is the playground for bullies – especially adult bullies – who were probably the bully in school, and still are today. I’ve never bowed down for bullies, and I’m not going to start now,” he told the Advertiser. “I don’t have a party, so I put feelers out about running in the by-election to community groups, and people I meet, and it was more people [urging] me to run, rather than me asking if I should, that decided it.”
The 40-year-old Westside native says he cannot solely rely on votes from urban areas for the election caused by President Catherine Connolly vacating her Galway West Dáil seat, but says he is confident of attracting support across the 2,200 square kilometre, largely rural constituency.
Cubbard has topped the poll three times in Galway city’s central ward. He is keen to point put that his mother’s people are McDonaghs from Carna, before becoming fishermen in the Claddagh, while the Cubbards go back to the 1700s in Drummavohaun, near Moycullen, .
“People are fed up of politicians just giving out, they want solutions to the problems they face, and I’m willing to work with anyone who can deliver that.”
A key priority is securing improved exchequer funding for Galway’s two local authorities. “As a TD, I will use every bit of influence I have to maximise funding for Galway so we can expand social and affordable housing, and deliver vital infrastructure, from our road network and community facilities to tourism projects and access to our offshore islands.”
Policies
Tackling congestion in Galway city is a “a top priority,” and Cubbard sees the long?planned Ring Road as key. “It should be fast?tracked as critical infrastructure. It will not solve every problem, but it will make a real difference,” he said, adding that public transport upgrades, including BusConnects and increased rail capacity from Gort, Athenry and Oranmore, must happen in parallel.
Wastewater capacity is limiting County Galway says Cubbard. “Many towns and villages still cannot build or expand, which has knock?on effects. Schools lose numbers, teachers are cut, post offices and Garda stations close, and sports clubs are forced to merge or disappear,” he said.
“Our road network also needs significant improvement, particularly our regional roads. Rural residents understand that lower population density can mean fewer services, but they should at least expect safe and reliable roads when accessing services in urban centres. In addition, investment in transport to and from our offshore islands is essential for residents, tourism operators, and the offshore fisheries sector,” he added.
“People face long waits for GP appointments, limited home care supports and a shortage of childcare places.
“People in Galway are tired of long waits, overcrowded wards and the fear they will need private insurance just to be seen on time. My priority is to deliver the elective hospital as promised, expand capacity in University Hospital Galway and strengthen primary care in places like Galway City West, Oranmore and Spiddal, so people can access treatment without delays,” he said.
“People with disabilities deserve equal access to services, supports and opportunities, and we need to build a city and county that are genuinely accessible to all,” he added. “Right now, the severe lack of investment in mental?health services is making that inequality even worse. We need proper funding, dedicated services and a system that treats every person with dignity.”
On immigration, Cubbard said: “Delays in the asylum system are creating real pressure on housing and services. We need a faster, fairer process that treats people with dignity, but also ensures that refused applications do not result in indefinite stays.”
On farming, he said excessive red tape and regulatory uncertainty were “holding families back” and that clearer supports were needed for young people entering agriculture.
Cubbard wants to ensure young people have a stronger voice in local and national decisions. “I want young people to know they will be heard. Too many of those I meet feel ignored, but I have worked with youth groups throughout my political career, and will continue to support their development, their schools and their right to a real voice. I pledge to be that voice when they need it.”
Cubbard joins fellow independents Sheila Garrity, and Councillor Thomas Welby on the ballot in May. Party candidates include Senator Sean Kyne (FG ), Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich (SD ), Niall Murphy (GP ), Denman Rooke (PBP ), Orla Nugent (Aú ), Mark Lohan (SF ), Noel Thomas (II ), and Helen Ogbu (Lab ). Fianna Fáil will select its candidate this weekend.
