Galway Labour Councillors Endorse Catherine Connolly’s Presidential Bid

Catherine Connolly is set to receive support from Labour Party representatives in Galway West for her presidential campaign, despite a contentious history with the party. The Independent candidate, who left Labour in 2007, has garnered backing from local councillors, signaling a potential shift in party dynamics as Ireland approaches its presidential election.

Connolly departed from the Labour Party after being excluded from the election ticket alongside then-sitting party TD Michael D. Higgins. This decision sparked a prolonged dispute between her and Labour members in Galway West. Since her departure, Connolly has been an outspoken critic of the party, and her candidacy has become a focal point for discussions around leftist unity.

All three Galway City councillors have expressed their support for Connolly as a viable left candidate. Councillor John McDonagh stated he would actively campaign for her, emphasizing the importance of presenting a clear choice between a left-wing candidate and a centre-right candidate from established parties. “I think Catherine would make a good candidate for that,” he noted.

Councillor McDonagh elaborated on the circumstances surrounding Connolly’s exit, pointing out that Labour was expanding at the time, and differing viewpoints created internal competition. He acknowledged that relationships within the party were not uniformly positive regarding Connolly.

Councillor Helen Ogbu, who joined Labour after Connolly’s departure, expressed her unreserved support for Connolly, highlighting her commitment to equality and women’s rights. Ogbu’s endorsement reflects a growing recognition of Connolly’s activism and political stance.

Conversely, Councillor Niall McNelis expressed more conditional support for Connolly. He recognized the necessity for a united left candidate but indicated that his backing is influenced by the events surrounding her departure in 2007. “At the end of the day, we need to have a united left candidate, and this election is an opportunity to do that,” McNelis stated. He mentioned personal commitments would prevent him from actively canvassing during the campaign.

Former councillor Billy Cameron, who previously served alongside Connolly, remarked on her political capabilities and advocated for her candidacy. He emphasized the risk of leaving a vacuum in leftist representation if a united candidate does not emerge.

The Labour Party’s decision to support Connolly comes amid discussions about the importance of consolidating leftist votes in the upcoming election. Labour’s General Secretary Billie Sparks visited Galway to consult with local councillors regarding the potential endorsement, reflecting the party’s strategic considerations in the run-up to the election.

As Connolly prepares for the campaign trail, her ability to bridge the gap with her former party could play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape in Galway West and beyond. With a unified left candidate, supporters hope to challenge the dominance of centre-right parties in the forthcoming election.