Fianna Fáil has confirmed Cllr John Connolly and Gráinne Seoige have been selected to contest the next General Election in the Galway West constituency.
Cllr Connolly and Ms Seoige were selected at a convention for the constituency in Oughterard in Galway on Friday night.
Cllr Connolly is a school principal and native speaker from Athenry, who has served his community in local government since 2019. Cllr Connolly was re-elected to Galway City Council in the Local Elections in June.
Commenting on his selection, he said: “I’m delighted to be selected, I’m looking forward to the campaign. This is my sixth election for the party. I will work tirelessly to gain a seat so I can represent the people of Galway West, the community I live and work in. My priorities include housing, transport for Galway and our healthcare infrastructure.”
Ms Seoige is a proud Galway woman and native speaker from the Gaeltacht village of An Spidéal. The TV presenter started her career in TG4 after graduating from University College Galway. She went on to present news and current affairs and entertainment programmes in TV3, RTE, Sky News and Virgin Media.
Welcoming her selection, Ms Seoige said she was delighted: “As a proud Connemara woman this locality is not just where I’m from, it is a part of who I am. This community has shaped me and I have brought my Galwayness with me wherever I have gone all over the world.
“It is with a sense of pride and belonging that I stand ready to work hard for everyone in this constituency.
“This forthcoming general election will be about shaping the future. We face serious challenges today particularly in the areas of housing, planning, infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development. These are issues that affect every person young and old in Galway West. I’m committed to dedicating myself so that the people of this region continue to prosper.”
Ms Seoige acknowledged the “incredible and remarkable” legacy of Éamon Ó Cuív.
"Éamon has worked tirelessly for our community, standing up for rural development, an teanga, the local community and social justice of all parties and none,” she said. “His dedication and achievements have left a lasting impact on Galway and I’m deeply honoured to potentially be in the position to build on the strong foundations he has laid.”
An Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD, said: “Cllr John Connolly and Gráinne Seoige are excellent candidates selected to run in Galway West.
“Cllr Connolly is ingrained in the locality, has strong educational credentials and has worked immensely hard for the community in both his role as councillor and school principal.
“Ms Seoige will make a strong addition to the Fianna Fáil team. She is deeply connected to Galway and will bring determination to the campaign. We are delighted to have her on board.
“I’ve no doubt Cllr Connolly and Ms Seoige will work together to create a positive campaign.”
Speaking at the convention, Deputy Ó Cuív, who is retiring from politics, said: “It’s a bittersweet day for me. The first time I stood at a General Election Convention was 42 years ago, and I’ve been in the Oireachtas for 35 years. But I’m really pleased, I have always believed that success in life is not measured in what you do but in the people who come after you.
“We have two brilliant candidates selected. It’s a balance ticket in every way – it is geographically balanced and also gender balanced, which is important in this election. We’ll be putting up a battle for every vote in Galway West. We’ve two worthy candidates and I’ll be out with them on the ground.”
Paying tribute in July to Deputy Ó Cuív, Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD said: “Éamon was an outstanding parliamentarian and Minister. He is extremely committed, hard-working and diligent. He has been a tremendous public representative for the people of Galway West and Cornamona.”
