Seoighthe keeps mum on her shock parting from SocDems
The Social Democrats’ representation on Galway City Council has been halved following the resignation of one of its two councillors.
Galway City Councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe confirmed in a statement this week that she had resigned from the party — but she did not elaborate on why.
Councillor Seoighthe, who will continue to serve as a non-party public representative, said she left on July 31, “after weeks of reflection and consideration”.
The timing of her surprise decision suggested it related to the lifting of the suspension of Dublin TD Eoin Hayes.
Deputy Hayes was reprimanded by the party after he admitted giving false information about the timing of when he sold shares in a company he worked for that had contracts with the Israel Defence Forces.
Councillor Seoighthe did not reference that controversy in her resignation statement. Her bio remained on the Soc Dem’s website yesterday.
It is also understood that she was not happy with the support she received from headquarters during her November bid to win a seat in Galway West in a General Election in which she performed better than expected.
Councillor Seoighthe said she was “committed to public service and to the principles of democracy”.
“I am grateful for the support, collaboration, and conversations I have shared with members of the party and wider community in my time as a member. However, at this time, I believe I can more effectively pursue meaningful change outside the current party structure,” she said.
The City Central councillor said she was not “shying away from political engagement” but was forging an independent path “that reflects my growth and growing priorities”.
“I remain firmly committed to serving my constituents and working towards a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable political landscape,” she added.
Councillor Seoighthe did not respond to queries as to why she quit the party. She told Galway Bay fm she was disappointed her decision was leaked.
The Social Democrats has elected three councillors in Galway in its first decade since it was founded and Seoighthe was the second to resign. Owen Hanley quit the Council and party in January 2023 after allegations emerged on social media.
Councillor Alan Curran, in City West, is now the Soc Dems’ sole elected rep in the West of Ireland.
Pictured: Eibhlín Seoighthe with Social Democrats colleague Alan Curran after their election to the City Council last year. Photo: Brian Harding.