West Ward candidates to target McNeilis seat in 2014

There is a saying that change is a motivator and change has its enemies. This could, in some way, describe the outcome of the local elections in the Galway City West electoral ward almost two years ago when change was the order of the day.

The former South Ward delivered five councillors compared to four on the previous occasion; it returned candidates who had changed colours for one reason or another; and it got rid of a few high profile names who were not best pleased while a couple of new names hit the political scene.

When the next Local Elections are held in 2014, there is no doubt that this electoral area could deliver another few surprises as a considerable number of names are being mentioned as being potential candidates.

Twice a poll topper, Donal Lyons became an Independent having previously been a member of the ill fated PDs; Catherine Connelly jumped ship from Labour and became an Independent; Hildegarde Naughton caused something of a stir when ousting FG party colleague John Mulholland from office; Peter Keane became the new face of Fianna Fáil in the area; and Niall McNeilis benefited from the swing to Labour.

It was an amazing feat by the current Mayor, Councillor Naughton, who was parachuted into the area by Fine Gael having come from Oranmore, living along the Headford Road and teaching in the city centre. The electorate in the Salthill and Knocknacarra area say that she has not been a hands-on councillor and this could impact on her reelection prospects.

However, with Fine Gael having only one out of five seats in the area, they will be depending on her to deliver again and there is no doubt that there will be approaches made to current Galway senior football boss, Alan Mulholland to run for the party. The odds on the well known bookie making himself available to regain the seat held by his father are slim.

The main parties agree that there is little to touch Lyons and Connolly so they will most likely target McNeilis’ Labour seat, which he narrowly won ahead  of John Mulholland last time  out.

Fianna Fáil are likely to run two candidates in this area and there is a possibility that former Galway City Central councillor John Connolly, who lost his seat in 2009, might consider running in Galway City West as he is living in Boleybeg and is involved with Barna GAA Club.

Speaking of the GAA, there is also a lot of talk surrounding the new Chairman of Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA Club, David Burke being a Fianna Fáil candidate – interestingly he took over the chair from Lyons who didn’t contest the position in the end. Keane would also see him as a major threat to his seat.

It is unlikely that former vintner’s chief and former councillor, Val Hanley will run on the Fianna Fáil ticket on the next occasion, having unsuccessfully contested the last two Local Elections.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.