The CEO of Galway Chamber, Kenny Deery, yesterday (Wednesday ) morning declared his intention to run as an Independent candidate for Galway City Council in the upcoming local elections. Mr Deery will add his name to the ballot paper in the Galway City West constituency, bringing an end to weeks of speculation following his shock decision not to seek an extension to his current contract with the Chamber, when it ends in early summer.
Launching his election campaign at Blackrock Pier, Mayo-native Deery said that his candidacy is born out of “a deep frustration at how our city is being held back by the dysfunctionality of local government in Galway”.
“Right now, critical issues for residents, workers and families in Galway – like transport, housing and efficient local services – are not being tackled. Business opportunities are being lost to the city and expansion plans are stymied because vital infrastructure is not being delivered.
"Local councillors do not make all the decisions on infrastructure, but they have a powerful voice and they have a duty to use that voice fully to serve Galway’s needs,” Mr Deery told the large crowd at launch in Salthill.
Mr Deery has been vocal about the need for a ‘One Galway’ approach to local government in the city and county. He is vowing to effect that change from within, and urging residents, businesses and organisations across the constituency to put their trust in him.
“I am not interested in taking a seat for the sake of taking a seat; it is not a personal prize. I want to be elected so that I can effect change for you and for our city. We need a ‘One Galway’ approach, with everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.
“If elected, I will be the voice for unity and collaboration in the council chamber, but also for action. The time for talking and debating is over. We all know what the issues are, it’s time to see change in action. Galway deserves better from its city council, it deserves change. If elected, I will be that change,” he promised.
On March 12 last, Galway Chamber issued a statement confirming that Mr Deery would not be seeking to renew his contract as CEO of the high-profile business organisation, adding that he Kenny has provided the Galway Chamber with remarkable leadership over the last five years.
The statement went on to laud Deery for his many achievements during his term, including the establishment of the Greater Galway Forum – a cohesive leadership voice for Galway, a stronger voice in Europe – through funding applications, representation, meetings and advocacy in Europe.
Alongside his leadership of the Chamber, Mr Deery has also been the Chair of the CEO Forum of Chambers Ireland, and serves on several Boards across the city including Platform94, PorterShed, and Galway Culture Company.
