How will the economy affect the way people vote in the county?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Right now June 5 might not be a date that means much to people – but we can be sure that once it (or alternatively Thursday June 4) is announced as the date for the local and European elections people will pencil it in their diary as a date to look forward to.

The gravy train can’t continue…

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Since I left the Dáil in 2002 I have been loathe to condemn the pay and perks of politicians. This reluctance was based on inside knowledge of life as a public representative.

Instead of job security, they are permanently vulnerable to the whim of the electorate. Unsocial hours and endless availability to the public take a real toll on personal and family life. People don’t go into politics to make money.

At last, FF confirm worst kept secret — Keane will run in City West

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

It may have been the worst kept secret in Galway politics, but this week Fianna Fáil officially confirmed what the city’s political watchers and what this column has been saying for months - Peter Keane will run for the party in Galway City West.

Is Rev Towers to stand in the city?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Speculation is mounting as to the political intentions of Rev Patrick Towers, the former rector of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, whether or not he will run in June’s Local Elections - and speculation is intensifying that he may stand for election to the Galway City Council.

In an extensive interview on his life and career in the Galway Advertiser last month, Rev Towers said he “would consider entering politics” and that if he runs it will be for The Green Party.

FG skullduggery in Oranmore?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A battle is on between Liam O’Carroll and Michael Eames for the right to run in Oranmore in June’s Local Elections and it seems FG HQ favours Mr O’Carroll while local members are going for Mr Eames.

Fine Gael held its selection convention for the Oranmore electoral ward this week with positions available for two candidates.

Do the new faces have a hope of getting elected?

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

With the New Year now firmly entrenched, Galway’s politicos - Insider included - have only one thing on their minds - June’s Local Elections.

Greens are the fag butt that FF will inhale and discard

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

The Green Party has been in the news all week. Their sole city councillors in Dublin and Cork have resigned. The party leadership has dismissed the resignations of Bronwen Maher and Chris O’Leary as merely due to “personal and local constituency” reasons.

He’s a Fianna Fáiler - get him out of here

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

What kind of reception awaits Fianna Fáil on the doorsteps of Galway city and county once canvassing for June’s Local Elections really takes off?

Tennis star Geraghty to smash and volley his way onto council?

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

Tennis player, author, and local campaigner Mike Geraghty this week announced he will be standing as an Independent candidate for Galway City Central in June’s Local Elections.

Greens hope they have a trump in Towers

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

Speculation is mounting that the Rector of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church Rev Patrick Towers will stand for election to the Galway County Council in June’s Local Elections.

An inside look at local politics – from the pens of the politicians themselves

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

While Insider is consumed by politics - it is my raison d’être - music is also a great passions, particularly politically charged music.

Are the Blueshirts looking good for 2009?

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Fine Gael appear to occupy a position in Galway city politics that Fianna Fáil and Labour must envy because the Blueshirts look set to emerge from the 2009 Local Elections without losing a seat.

Fianna Fáil know they will be lucky to hold what they have. Labour know they stand a great chance of making gains, but cannot be sure they will. FG has the advantage of knowing thier sitting councillors should stay put, but the party’s one dilemma is that they will find it very hard to pick up extra seats.

Could Packie Bonner be our next MEP?

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Italia 90 was easily the worst World Cup in living memory. Excruciatingly dull games, foul play, cantenaccio gone mad, cynical holding out for extra time, and running down the clock for penalties.

A case of ‘almost...but not quite’ for Fianna Fáil

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

“Almost...but not quite” is how Galway Fianna Fáil might sum up its team for June’s Local Elections in both the city and county, with many candidates virtually certain to be selected, others still battling for a place, and the rest in the dark as to what party HQ intends to do with them.

What is the state of play in Galway city? In Galway City East the line up is virtually certain to be Cllr Michael J Crowe, Cllr Mary Leahy, and Sheila Mangan. Galway City Central and Galway City West however remain problematic areas.

Crowe brothers to the rescue for Fianna Fail?

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

“If I saw Mr Haughey buried at midnight at a crossroads with a stake driven through his heart, politically speaking, I should continue to wear a clove of garlic around my neck, just in case.”

Who is running in Galway city in 2009?

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

Once the Christmas and New Year festivities are over and Ireland settles down to the winter of discontent of the recession, local politicians will hit the campaign trail in earnest for June’s Local Elections.

Ford Ranger gets the Irish job done in South Africa

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

Ford’s hard working Ranger 4x4 was in service alongside the 2,000 Irish volunteers who helped build 253 houses at last week’s Niall Mellon Township Trust Building Blitz in Capetown.

The new BMW Z4 on the way

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

The latest in BMW’s long and successful roadster family has been revealed. The new BMW Z4 will go on sale in May 2009 and features a host of innovations never before showcased during BMW’s 75 years of roadster heritage.

Motorshow 2009 in your own home

Tue, Dec 23, 2008

The motor trade may be suffering right now, but that ill wind provides many great opportunities for car buyers. The 2009 edition of Motorshow Car Buyers' Guide is now in newsagents, complete with all the news, no nonsense verdicts, views of all the new models on the way, and all the knowledge you require to get a great deal.

The inside story of the city council budget

Thu, Dec 18, 2008

Now that the back slapping is over and political kudos have been gained by politicians across the board for a most courageous, progressive, budget in recessionary times maybe it is appropriate at this stage to ask some pertinent questions as to the political intricacies of its birth, formulation, and delivery.

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