The Social Democrats have selected Councillor Ebhlín Seoighthe to contest the Galway West constituency in the upcoming general election.
Cllr Seoighthe, who represents the city’s central ward on Galway City Council, will be her party’s 26th and likely final national candidate selected for an election expected in late November.
Seoighthe had ruled herself out as a potential Dáil candidate as recently as last month, citing work and family responsibilities, and her intention to concentrate on “learning the ropes” as a first-term city councillor elected last June.
“I was contacted by a number of constituents last week after [I said] that, asking why wouldn’t I run. So I listened to them, as I said I would, and now here I am,” she told the Advertiser.
It is understood the former vice president of the University of Galway’s Student Union’s candidature was formerly confirmed by the Social Democrats’ national executive this week without a local selection contest, as no other candidate emerged. The Soc Dem’s Galway City West ward councillor, Alan Curran, ruled himself out, citing his teaching obligations in Coláiste Éinde in Salthill.
Rumours of a last-minute Soc Dem ‘celebrity candidate’ in Galway West came to nought, although senior sources in Holly Cairn’s party did confirm “conversations were had” with a “well-known personality” with Galway connections. A party spokesman confirmed two potential candidates were considered.
In a statement, the Soc Dems said: “Ebhlín shares the party’s values of equality and inclusion, and we believe she would be a refreshing new voice in national politics for the people of Galway West if elected to the Dáil.”
Seoighthe dismissed the rumours as coming from individuals outside the party. She says her policy priorities are housing, access to healthcare in Galway, and the provision of services for children through Irish, such as speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The gaeilgeoir is particularly concerned about housing issues in the Galway Gaeltacht.
The Galway city native recognises transport as a key election issue for Galway West voters. She says she is delighted with publication of a “fantastic” new feasibility study for light rail for Galway city, but is reticent to voice a strong opinion on a proposed outer city ringroad, as the project is currently before an Bord Pleanala.
“I’ve no comment. I wouldn’t be a fan. I am for a multi-modal solution to connect places like Clifden and Oughterard with the city, but a new road is likely to induce demand. I think little changes, like [public-privately funded] local bus services, BusConnects and greater bike and pedestrian permeability can contribute to a more car-free future,” she said.
Asked about her party leader, Deputy Cairns’ recent refusal to rule out coalition with Sinn Féin, the new candidate said she has not had a chance to consider potential Dáil permutations yet, and is looking forward to the general election.
Seoighthe, a photographer, was elected on the 11th count in Galway City Central electoral area in June, after polling almost 600 first preferences. Alongside councillors Mike Cubbard (Ind ), Clodagh Higgins (FG ), Helen Ogbu (Lab ) and John Connolly (FF ), Seoighthe is the fifth city councillor to throw her hat in the ring for a November general election.
