While Independent Cllr Daniel Callanan has been on the record for the past 18 months that he will not seek re-election to the Galway City Council, the belief persists that he will be a candidate next year.
The latest talk among political anoraks in the city is that Cllr Callanan will run in Galway City West in the 2009 Local Elections. However, Cllr Callanan poured cold water on such speculation this week.
“I wouldn’t be running into John Mulholland to put money on Danny Callanan running in the elections,” he told the Galway Advertiser. “It would take something strong and striking to make me think about running again. I don’t know where people are getting these ideas from.”
Cllr Callanan proved to be an effective, provocative voice in City Hall since his election in 2004, but he has become disillusioned by the lack of power of local councillors as well as the constant wrangling, proceduralism, and long windedness in Council Chambers.
Yet, as with everything in politics, Cllr Callanan is not closing the door firmly on his options.
“You never say never,” he said. “You can’t in politics, but I am 85 per cent to 90 per cent certain that I will not be running again.”
