Catherine Connolly’s Election Sparks Speculation Over Dáil Seat

Catherine Connolly’s victory in the presidential election has ignited discussions about who will succeed her in the Dáil seat for Galway West. Connolly is set to be inaugurated on November 11, 2023, which means a by-election must be held within six months to fill the vacant position. This timeline places the deadline for the by-election in May 2024.

The coalition of left-leaning parties that supported Connolly’s campaign may influence the selection of her successor. The previous general election, held less than a year ago, provides insight into the political landscape in Galway West. In that election, the constituency elected Sinn Féin’s Mairead Farrell, Connolly, Fianna Fáil’s John Connolly, Fine Gael’s Hildegarde Naughton, and Independent Noel Grealish. Farrell and Connolly were the first candidates to be elected following the eleventh count, with Farrell securing the highest number of first preference votes.

With the potential for a left candidate to fill Connolly’s seat, Sinn Féin has already voiced its commitment to contest the upcoming by-election. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, emphasized the party’s strong mandate and the necessity to prevent the seat from falling to the government. Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1, she expressed hope that left parties would collaborate effectively, saying, “I hope, in that contest as with others, we [the left] will find a way to transfer to and from each other, that we can still – on areas where we have common cause and common platforms – we can put that forward in a very, very constructive way.”

Sinn Féin currently holds 39 seats in the Dáil, making it the second-largest party, just behind Fianna Fáil. This position further strengthens their resolve to secure Connolly’s seat.

As the political landscape shifts, speculation arises regarding who else might enter the race for the Galway seat. Among potential candidates is Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne, who previously served as a TD from 2011 to 2020 before being appointed to the Seanad. Kyne finished seventh in the last election, trailing closely behind his party colleague Naughton.

Another name mentioned in connection with the Fine Gael candidacy is Eddie Hoare, a councillor and former Lord Mayor of Galway City. Similarly, Fianna Fáil may consider former TD and minister Eamon Ó Cuív, who has expressed uncertainty about re-entering the political arena. At 75 years old, Ó Cuív remarked, “In life, if you’re going somewhere, never make a decision on what to do at the next crossroads until you get there.”

The Aontú party, which previously ran lecturer Pádraig Lenihan in Galway West, might also seek to capitalize on Connolly’s departure. Lenihan received 1,233 first preference votes but was eliminated in the fifth count. Aontú currently lacks representation in Galway, making this an opportunity for the party.

Businessman Declan Ganley, who previously ran for election in 2009, has also been mentioned in discussions about the by-election. Although he has not contested since his European bid, he has been active in Galway and has hinted at potential interest in future political endeavors.

As the political scene develops, the focus will remain on how parties position themselves to fill Connolly’s seat. The next few months will be critical for both candidates and voters in Galway West as they approach the upcoming by-election.