Can FG take two in Galway City East?

Thu, Feb 26, 2009

Fine Gael is pushing to win a second seat in Galway City West and the party is looking towards Cllr Brian Walsh to bring in one of his two running mates.

Callanan edges closer to a decision to run again

Thu, Feb 26, 2009

Independent Cllr Daniel Callanan is coming ever closer to a final decision on whether or not he will run in June’s Local Election.

Will Labour start to groom Colm Keaveney for national politics?

Thu, Feb 19, 2009

“Better red than dead” the English philosopher Bertrand Russell used to say, and for the Labour Party - if the recent The Irish Times/TNS MRBI poll is anything to go by - the phrase has never been more apt.

Fianna Fáil’s fate

Thu, Feb 19, 2009

The decline in Fianna Fáil’s popularity since last June is unprecedented in the history of the party. The recent TNS/MRBI survey has tracked that support for the party has dropped from 42 per cent to 22 per cent over the past eight months. The leader’s satisfaction rating has declined from 52 per cent to 24 per cent. This presents an alarming prospect for all party members, supporters and especially candidates in the forthcoming local and European elections.

Can FG take two in Galway City East?

Thu, Feb 19, 2009

Fine Gael is pushing to win a second seat in Galway City West and the party is looking towards Cllr Brian Walsh to bring in one of his two running mates.

John Connolly is ‘definitely going’ to seek re-election

Thu, Feb 19, 2009

Fianna Fáil Cllr John Connolly has come out fighting against rumours he would not be running in June’s Local Elections by declaring he is “absolutely” and “definitely going” to seek re-election.

Callanan edges closer to a decision to run again

Thu, Feb 19, 2009

Independent Cllr Daniel Callanan is coming ever closer to a final decision on whether or not he will run in June’s Local Election.

The outspoken councillor was adamant for a long time that he would not seek re-election, but over the last year his appetite has returned prompting speculation that he would throw his hat into the ring again.

After Valentine’s there will be no love lost

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

As we head into St Valentine’s Day many of the city councillors will have their eye on two dates - February 14 and June 5.

Lisbon No campaign successfully sold

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

I detect one tiny slice of silver lining on our dark clouds. A recent Red C opinion poll found that 58 per cent of respondents would vote Yes if there was a second Lisbon Treaty held this year.

Poll findings will decide between Quinn and Crowe in FF battle

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

Fianna Fáil is to conduct a private opinion poll of Galway City Central and its findings will determine whether Martin Quinn or Ollie Crowe will join Cllr John Connolly on the party ticket.

Galway City Central is the ‘Group of Death’ for June’s Local Elections. The four seat ward is home to Mayor Padraig Conneely, Cllr Billy Cameron, Cllr John Connolly, and Cllr Colette Connolly - all are heavy hitters and none will be easy to dislodge.

Voters can kick out the jams on polling day

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

Friday June 5 has finally been declared as the date for the 2009 European and Local Elections - that’s just 114 days for voters to decide whether they will ‘kick ‘em out or keep ‘em in’.

Will it be Ganley v Michael D for Europe?

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

Within the next few weeks, Libertas will make an announcement on whether or not its founder Declan Ganley will run as a candidate in the North-West in the EU elections.

How will the economy affect the way people vote in the county?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Right now June 5 might not be a date that means much to people – but we can be sure that once it (or alternatively Thursday June 4) is announced as the date for the local and European elections people will pencil it in their diary as a date to look forward to.

The gravy train can’t continue…

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Since I left the Dáil in 2002 I have been loathe to condemn the pay and perks of politicians. This reluctance was based on inside knowledge of life as a public representative.

Instead of job security, they are permanently vulnerable to the whim of the electorate. Unsocial hours and endless availability to the public take a real toll on personal and family life. People don’t go into politics to make money.

At last, FF confirm worst kept secret — Keane will run in City West

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

It may have been the worst kept secret in Galway politics, but this week Fianna Fáil officially confirmed what the city’s political watchers and what this column has been saying for months - Peter Keane will run for the party in Galway City West.

Is Rev Towers to stand in the city?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Speculation is mounting as to the political intentions of Rev Patrick Towers, the former rector of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, whether or not he will run in June’s Local Elections - and speculation is intensifying that he may stand for election to the Galway City Council.

In an extensive interview on his life and career in the Galway Advertiser last month, Rev Towers said he “would consider entering politics” and that if he runs it will be for The Green Party.

FG skullduggery in Oranmore?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A battle is on between Liam O’Carroll and Michael Eames for the right to run in Oranmore in June’s Local Elections and it seems FG HQ favours Mr O’Carroll while local members are going for Mr Eames.

Fine Gael held its selection convention for the Oranmore electoral ward this week with positions available for two candidates.

Do the new faces have a hope of getting elected?

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

With the New Year now firmly entrenched, Galway’s politicos - Insider included - have only one thing on their minds - June’s Local Elections.

Greens are the fag butt that FF will inhale and discard

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

The Green Party has been in the news all week. Their sole city councillors in Dublin and Cork have resigned. The party leadership has dismissed the resignations of Bronwen Maher and Chris O’Leary as merely due to “personal and local constituency” reasons.