Seventeen candidates will contest the seat vacated by Catherine Connolly’s election to the presidency.
The Galway Advertiser reached out, to see what they have to say for themselves, and offered all an opportunity to win your vote. Most candidates have their own websites or social media pages which spell out their promises and policies in finer detail.
We asked all: ‘Why should Galwegians vote for you?’ and gave each the same space to reply.
Some responses have been minimally edited for brevity or clarity, but these are the candidates’ own thoughts, in their own words, plus our tuppence’ worth thrown in too.
Néill Bairéad (Independent )
I am representing Mhuinntear Ghaillimh (sic ) of all perspectives and backgrounds, that’s the job after all. I focus on policies for Galway West that we can all benefit from.
I am not interested to go into government while neoliberal policies are maintained by this most uncharitable of cabinets. ‘Theirs is No Alternative’. Reform Local Government, Emancipate our Community.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Emancipate your community
What got you first interested in politics?
I’ve always been interested in politics, since aged 15, because people should be able to change what happens to them without barriers.
How would you like to be remembered?
Somebody who did what they had to do, and died with an easy heart.
Age: 45
Where you reside: Mionlach
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Candidates who will not support the continuance of neoliberal policies.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Amend the Local Government Act to restore powers to local authorities, taking into account the future re-unification of Ireland.
The Advertiser view: His policies on “human-monitored” traffic lights, buses on Quincentenary bridge, tourism and housing have not trickled through to the electorate.
AJ Cahill (The Irish People )
Young families wait 10 to 20 years for social housing here, while non-Irish nationals are fast-tracked into homes. That is not compassion, it is a betrayal of our own people. Our children are being robbed of the same opportunities we grew up with. I am standing because I refuse to watch Galway and Ireland be erased by insane policies, mass immigration, and the destruction of our communities, faith, and families. If you want someone who will fight without apology for the Irish People – for homes, safety, and a future for our own – then vote for me. This is our city. This is our country. It’s time to take them back.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Message of hope and love to the nation
What got you first interested in politics?
Hunger strikes in 1981
How would you like to be remembered?
That I was moral and didn’t betray my family or nation.
Age: 58
Where you reside: Salthill
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Only vote for moral candidates
What one thing would you like to achieve if elected?
End the discrimination against the Irish people when it comes to social housing.
The Advertiser view: This millionaire election candidate has still offered zero evidence for claims of State discrimination against its own citizens, despite standing regularly for 17 years. Some IPP posters degraded Galway.
Mike Cubbard (Independent )
This is a straight choice: more of the same party politics, or someone who will put Galway first every time. For too long, TDs have followed the party line, and Galway has been left behind.
I am running to be a strong, independent voice in Dáil Éireann, answerable only to Galway West. I will not prop up a government that is failing our communities. I will fight for proper infrastructure, unblock housing so people can build in their own areas, and stand up for rural Galway. We also need accountability in health spending. If we get value, we can deliver more beds, better services, and proper mental health and disability supports.
No whip. No deals. Just results for Galway.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Put Galway first. Integrity. Deliver real results.
What got you first interested in politics?
I got involved to make a real difference locally, to deliver practical results for people in my community, and to ensure there was a strong, independent voice at the decision-making table.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who delivered for Galway, stood over every decision, and was always accessible, accountable, and focused on what mattered most to people.
Age: 40
Where you reside: Rahoon
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Voters should decide their own preferences freely.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Ensure Galway gets fair investment by delivering infrastructure and removing barriers stopping people securing homes in their own communities.
The Advertiser view: Ignored by the pundits up in Dublin; likely to do better than expected. His transfers may be pivotal for city candidates, and vice versa.
Patrick Feeney (Independent )
Unfortunately we have been unable to contact Mr Feeney, a stalwart of count centres in Galway city after every election, and a citizen who has bravely stood for office several times himself on a platform of representing pensioners. At the 2024 general election he won 52 first preferences, a fair increase from just one vote in 2019, after 22 in 2016. The retired Aer Lingus worker from Mervue has also sought to run in presidential elections, but failed to be nominated by county councils, despite promising universities for counties without.
The Advertiser view: Normally wouldn’t pay too much attention, but all transfers will count this weekend.
Sheila Garrity (Independent )
I’m a parent, grandparent, volunteer, educator and researcher. Galway has been my home for over 25 years.
My experience spans community work across Galway city and county, and national work, supporting education, advocating for children and families; fighting for people often unheard. I listen, respond, and deliver. Leading the Galway City Presidential Campaign demonstrated my ability to unite people to achieve shared goals.
Galway West needs new representation, someone who will fight for proper investment in housing, transport, public services, and education, so each child has the best start, and all families have dignity and support.
No party-politics; no vested interests. I offer transparent, community-based representation that answers to the people. I ask for your trust and number one vote.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Listening and responding. Commitment. Truly independent voice.
What got you first interested in politics?
Disillusioned with political representation, I discovered someone [Catherine Connolly] I truly believed in, who put communities first, who I could support. I personally experienced how work on the ground delivers national results.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who improved the quality of life of those who trusted her, by listening, elevating local issues, and fighting alongside people, for what matters.
Age: Our answer here is to leave blank
Where you reside: Knocknacarra
Advice on allocating second preferences?
We’re advising: vote #1 Garrity – transfer left
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Adopt a solution-focused, evidence-based approach, alongside the people of Galway, to solve our housing, transport, public services and education challenges.
The Advertiser view: Catherine Connolly’s Canadian continuity candidate without the keepy-uppies. Watch where her Number 2s go, as they may define direction of the Vote Left pact.
Cillian Keane (Fianna Fáil )
I’m running to be a strong voice for Galway West at the heart of Government. I want to help deliver the Galway Ring Road, better public transport, more housing, the UHG masterplan and practical solutions for rural and Gaeltacht communities.
I’m 25 years old, from Maree, Oranmore, and I understand the pressures facing my generation across Galway around housing, commuting and the cost of living because I’m living them too. Galway has huge potential. I want to be part of a strong Fianna Fáil team that has a seat at the decision-making table, and can work directly with ministers to get things done, and ensure Galway reaches its full potential.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Fresh Voice. Delivery. Representing Galway within Government.
What got you first interested in politics?
Growing up in a family steeped in sport, Irish republicanism and Fianna Fáil, I saw politics as a way to make positive change in my community.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who worked hard, stayed grounded, and delivered real progress for Galway-West by always putting the interests of local communities first.
Age: 25
Where you reside: Maree, Oranmore
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Asking for #1 so I can deliver.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Fully deliver Galway Transport Strategy – as we await ring-road – to tackle congestion and improve people’s quality of life.
The Advertiser view: One to watch. Coming across well on doorsteps, and in media. Whether his transfers go to FG, II or elsewhere, may prove crucial.
Seán Kyne (Fine Gael )
I’ve spent over 20 years delivering for Galway West as a Minister of State at Cabinet, TD, Leader of Seanad Éireann and as a councillor. I know this constituency inside out, from the city to the county and to our islands. I’ve a proven record of delivery from the Maigh Cuilinn bypass, the State purchase of Aerfort Chonamara, and a state-of-the-art sporting facility for Galway city in the Dexcom Stadium. I want to see the Galway city Ring Road built, and more homes built across Galway.
I’m not interested in rhetoric, I’m interested in delivering for Galway West. It needs a TD with the experience, relationships and a determination to deliver. I am that candidate.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Delivery. Experience. Positive about Galway.
What got you first interested in politics?
A love of community and a need to help people. When asked to stand for Galway County Council in 2004, I saw it as a chance to give back, and improve my locality.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who showed up, worked hard and delivered real improvements for the people of Galway – without fanfare or fuss.
Age: 51
Where you reside: Maigh Cuilinn
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Candidates who support centrist politics.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
A transport system fit for the 21st century, including delivery of the Ring Road, Bus Connects and light rail.
The Advertiser view: Keen to position himself as ‘a safe pair of hands’. Spicy politics in Connemara could undo or crown him. Expected to ‘borrow’ strongly from Oranmore.
Mark Lohan (Sinn Féin )
I have a vision for Galway, that everyone should be able to get up in the morning, leave their affordable home, drop their children off at affordable childcare, go to their good paying job and living a good life, where they are treated with decency, respect and fairness.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Make life affordable: housing, energy and childcare.
What got you first interested in politics?
As a worker on the building sites of Boston I saw the need to stand up for myself and others. I believe in self determination and unity of our country.
How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who helped others, who stood up for what’s right, and had the courage of their convictions.
Age: 58
Where you reside: Menlo
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Vote Mark Lohan #1 and transfer left
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Solve the housing crisis
The Advertiser view: Flying flag for party which appears unhappy locally, yet is under-appreciated in polls. May need chunky quantities of transfers to figure in the final dogfight. SF’s Mairead Farrell TD won over one third of her massive tally across Connemara in 2024, but Lohan unlikely to.
Niall Murphy (Green Party )
Galway West has never had a Green TD. Galway has a great tradition of being in touch with nature and a progressive view of the world, but we do not see that reflected in our politics. The city is still small enough that Green policies of walkable city centres and good public transport could easily be applied, but we need to do it before the city sprawls too much, and the opportunity is missed.
I want Galway to grow in a way that encourages communities. Shared public space, whether it is playgrounds, pedestrianised streets or sports clubs, are the places where communities thrive. Neighbours should have the chance to meet face to face, rather than bumper to bumper.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Community. Cost of Living. Liveable city and transport.
What got you first interested in politics?
I have three children who will live in a very different world. I want to work for a better society and environment for them to live in.
How would you like to be remembered?
I worked hard and cared about people. I might not have solved everything, but I left things better than I found them.
Age: 57
Where you reside: Salthill
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Vote left transfer left
What would you like to achieve if elected?
To tackle gridlock through offering better transport options for walking, cycling and public transport.
The Advertiser view: Voters still punish Greens for coalition with FF and FG, yet Galwegians are environmentalists. Could be king maker on Left.
Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich (Social Democrats )
The people of Galway West should vote for me if they want a strong, principled voice fighting their corner in the Dáil, putting forward solutions on housing, healthcare, an Ghaeltacht, and cost of living that can make their lives better. I’ve spent years working, campaigning, and fighting for action on issues like mental health, neutrality, and housing. I’ve also spent years watching my community of Conamara being emptied of our young people, because we can’t see a future here. That’s not something I can accept.
We all deserve a future here in Galway West, and I want to work for you to make that future happen.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Honesty, positivity, dílseacht don phobal.
What got you first interested in politics?
Growing up during austerity. I saw people who had done nothing wrong suffer, and struggle to survive. That stayed with me, which is why I want to fight for a decent life for all.
How would you like to be remembered?
Gael go smior, and someone who stood by her principles, worked hard, and spoke up for those who go unheard in this country.
Age: 26
Where you reside: An Trá Bháin, i gCeantar na nOileáin, Conamara.
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Vote Social Democrats. Transfer left.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
The provision of social and affordable housing, both in the Gaeltacht and across the rest of Galway West.
The Advertiser view: Anonymous early doors, but gained good momentum. Ó Cuív approves. Poised to reap rural and urban votes. Contender.
Orla Nugent (Aontú )
There are many people in Galway West who feel their voices are not being heard by the government. I want to be an actual voice for the people of Galway.
The cost of living crisis is crippling people. Individuals and families are finding it very tough to just live. I want to see zero per cent VAT on electricity, and the carbon tax scrapped during this current crisis. People are unable to get on the property ladder despite working around the clock. We need more supply, and less red tape, when building a home. I wish to represent families, workers, farmers, pensioners, paramedics and adults and children with additional needs.
We need common sense policies and more accountability.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Life, accountability, a common sense attitude.
What got you first interested in politics?
When an area was threatened with fracking and many felt helpless as to what could be done, I was inspired to be a voice for people and the most
vulnerable.
How would you like to be remembered?
A person who valued and stood up for many people, especially the vulnerable and someone who was not swayed by wealth or power.
Age: 37
Where you reside: Terryland
Advice on allocating second preferences?
No.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
To help provide more supply of housing and actual affordable housing.
The Advertiser view: One to watch for future, as party grows across West. Will she transfer to SF, FF, II, FG, independent or a fellow female?
Helen Ogbu (The Labour Party )
I’m standing to deliver real change for working people and communities across Galway West. My priorities are clear: tackling the cost of living, delivering for PAYE workers, and addressing the housing crisis that is pushing too many people to the brink.
I have spent 20 years working directly with communities in Galway, supporting families, refugees, women and young people. I know the pressures people are under because I work with them every day.
As a councillor, I have been a visible and hands-on representative, focused on inclusion, transport, housing and stronger public services.
Galway West deserves a TD who understands people’s lives, and will fight for a fairer Galway for everyone.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Fairness, inclusion, affordable living.
What got you first interested in politics?
Years of community work showed me how politics shapes people’s lives. I wanted to fight for my daughter, my foster children, and my community.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who fought for and empowered communities and helped people feel seen, supported and included.
Age: 53
Where you reside: Galway city
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Vote number one Helen Ogbu. Transfer left.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Deliver a real pay rise for workers.
The Advertiser view: Years spent as community worker should pay off in votes. Transfer friendly. Strong in person, shy in public. Hated by racists, which will both gain and lose her votes these days. Bookies keep slashing odds for curve ball contender who has become serious prospect.
John O’Leary (Independent )
Vote John because he is a WOOW – Watching Over Our World. Put “I” before it, make a powerful statement.
WOOW is Watching Over Our Waste. (Time , energy, talent, money , knowledge, materials. ). WOOW is Watching Over Our Wars. They must stop.
WOOW is Watching Over Our Workers: Must respect all workers. WOOW is Watching Over Our Women: Mothers, wives, sisters, daughters.
WOOW is Watching Over Our Woods: Trees and plants. WOOW is Watching Over Our Waters: Oceans; rivers.
If you are doing a little of any of the above – most are – then WOOW is you. Vote for WOOW. Watch WoowieTheMovie.ie Three main principles of your campaign?
WOOW (you ) can stop the waste.
What got you first interested in politics?
There should be a box on the ballot paper “none of the above/return to nominations” not to be abused . Student unions and other countries have it.
How would you like to be remembered?
For helping others find the billions of hidden waste (time, energy, space, knowledge, talent and money ).
Age: 67
Where you reside: Campervan, and 1sqm pod for election/movie
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Would not recommend any. Asked them a question re street cleaning, and no one knew.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Stop billions wasted, so less tax. Stop daily washing of Galway city streets while low walls/benches remain filthy. Bins for shop refuse.
The Advertiser view: O’Leary’s views are better explained on his website with links to his movie www.woow.ie Brace yourself. Here is an outlet for voters considering a spoil, but want transfers to count.
Denman Rooke (People Before Profit – Solidarity )
As a full-time working father of a two-year-old, I know the many challenges facing working people. I’m tired of the failed policies of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and ex-FF faux independents like Noel Thomas who have put the interests of landlords and corporate profits before the needs of our communities.
I bring to the table a radical alternative to the status quo. One that dares to say our public money should be used to benefit the public. We should be investing in public housing and re-nationalise our energy. We used to have the cheapest energy in Europe, and now we have the dearest. With record breaking homelessness and many in energy arrears, the time to fight back is now.
Three main principles of your campaign?
De-commodify housing, price caps and re-nationalise energy.
What got you first interested in politics?
I got into politics through my activism. I’ve been a trade unionist and socialist activist for many years campaigning on worker’s rights, anti-racism, climate action, cost of living, and housing.
How would you like to be remembered?
I guess I’d like to be remembered as someone who cared. Someone who didn’t compromise on his principles when fighting for working people.
Age: 40
Where you reside: Mervue
Advice on allocating second preferences?
I’m encouraging a Vote Left Transfer Left.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
A secure and affordable home for everyone who lives here.
The Advertiser view: Fresh face for hard left. Sports a mighty hat.
Michael Ryan (Independent )
I believe Galwegians should vote for me because I am not a career politician. My grandparents come from the Aran Islands, which gives me a rich Gaeltacht heritage. I was born and raised in Galway, and pursued Civil Law studies at the University of Galway as a mature student, offering a diverse background for this candidacy. Having experienced student hardships first-hand, I understand deeply the pressures of this role through my lifelong career, and I recognise the importance of supporting people with disabilities and valuing our elderly pensioners in society.
Three main principles of your campaign?
A vision for hope and change.
What got you first interested in politics?
To be honest, I had no intention to go into politics until I attended [recent] protests and saw the oppression of my people and government inaction.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a man who fought for his country and not against it, and to show other people that we can all take a stand with courage.
Age: 42
Where you reside: Corrib Park, Newcastle
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Vote second for whoever you believe in.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
To put the struggles of my people first and foremost, to be the voice of students, carers, disabled and working class.
The Advertiser view: Great fella for the aul’ TikToks – a novel route into politics, which may become the norm.
Noel Thomas (Independent Ireland )
Galway deserves a representative who will work constructively to deliver for every community. I’ve spent years listening to people across the city, the commuter towns and villages, and through Connemara, and I understand the real pressures around housing, healthcare, transport and the cost of living.
I’m standing to offer practical solutions, and to work with others, regardless of party, to get results for Galway. I believe in respectful politics, where different views are heard, but progress is made. This by-election is an opportunity to elect someone who is accessible, and focused on what matters locally. My priority is simple – to represent Galway fairly, and make positive progress on the issues people face every day.
All my policies are available at noelthomas.ie Three main principles of your campaign?
Respect. Delivery. Working together for Galway.
What got you first interested in politics?
Seeing the gap between what communities need, and what gets delivered, motivated me to get involved, and work constructively to improve things locally.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who brought people together, listened carefully, and delivered steady, practical improvements for communities across Galway.
Age: 52
Where you reside: “Galway West”
Advice on allocating second preferences?
Please consider me among your preferences.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Progress a practical housing plan that supports local families while improving infrastructure and services across Galway.
The Advertiser view: Marmite character. Like his politics or loathe them, he attracts both local support and pointed opposition.
Thomas Welby (Independent )
I am a full-time councillor with 22 years’ experience in local government. I know how the political system works, and I have consistently delivered for constituents.
Three main principles of your campaign?
Vision. Ambition. Delivery.
What got you first interested in politics?
A desire to help my community, so I entered into politics.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a committed public and national representative.
Age: 64
Where you reside: Oughterard
Advice on allocating second preferences?
No.
What would you like to achieve if elected?
Improve the lives of my constituents
The Advertiser view: Popular politician seeking to add his western county support to Noel Grealish’s eastern, electoral base. Dark horse. Where do his transfers go?
