So, here we are, on the other side of the election. The posters are being taken down, the heated debates are cooling, and negotiations are in full swing to shape the next government. After a weekend spent in countless community halls and polling stations, the excitement of the election has been thoroughly satisfied, if not entirely exhausted. Personally, I wouldn’t be eager to endure another one until we’re approaching the latter part of this decade.
As always, the Galway constituencies offered their fair share of drama and surprises. Five new TDs have been elected to represent Galway in the upcoming Dáil: Dr. Martin Daly, John Connolly, Louis O’Hara, Albert Dolan, and Pete Roche. Each of these individuals comes prepared, politically seasoned, and grounded in the realities of the issues their constituencies face. They are well-equipped to take their places in the national arena, and address the challenges ahead.
They will join the re-elected Galway TDs—Sean Canney, Noel Grealish, Hildegarde Naughton, Catherine Connolly, and Mairead Farrell—who are seasoned veterans of the political scene. Together, these representatives will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in the negotiations and discussions that will unfold over the coming days and weeks. If, as seems likely, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael strike a deal with the Independent Grouping, it’s expected that Deputies Canney and Grealish will leverage their positions to bring a strong wishlist of demands for Galway.
Galway city and county have long suffered from a lack of investment in infrastructure, lagging behind other comparable regions. This neglect has stifled its potential, and made progress increasingly difficult. Securing a senior ministry for the region could help address some of these challenges, although it’s worth noting that a high-ranking position is no guarantee of significant funding or development.
One of the most striking outcomes of this election is the absence of representation for Connemara, a vast area commanding nearly 18,000 votes—almost two full quotas. While there are other regions in Ireland without a TD, Connemara’s distinct identity, needs, and challenges make this omission particularly glaring. While every TD is meant to represent all constituents equally, there is a unique value in having a “deputy down the road,” someone who is intimately familiar with the day-to-day realities of the area. Connemara’s lack of direct representation in this Dáil will undoubtedly be felt.
Another noteworthy aspect of the election was the surprisingly low turnout. Sampling from polling stations on Friday night revealed Renmore saw turnout percentages in the 40s—a stark drop for an area traditionally considered stable and conservative. This may reflect shifting demographics, or a deeper sense of voter apathy. Regardless of the cause, it’s a sobering reminder of the importance of engaging the electorate, especially in regions with historically higher participation rates.
Elections, for all their noise and spectacle, ultimately hold up a mirror to society. They reveal who we are, where we’re going, and, often, what we’re neglecting. As we step into this new chapter, the challenges are clear, but so are the opportunities.
