Conamara native Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich will be the Social Democrats’ candidate for the forthcoming Galway West by-election.
Knocknacarra-based Social Democrats city councillor, Alan Curran, said he would not contest the by-election for work reasons, while Spiddal-based broadcaster, Síle Seoige, ruled herself out before Christmas. Both are widely thought to harbour national political aspirations.
The 26-year-old confirmed candidate, who was active in Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign, is so far the youngest person to declare for an election, expected in May.
Nic Fhionnlaoich is Dublin TD Sinéad Gibey’s parliamenray assistant, and is well known in the capital as a former senior Student Union officer in University College Dublin.
The native Irish speaker and has been involved in grassroots activism on housing, mental health, the Irish language and military policy.
A law graduate, she was UCD welfare officer, and subsequently worked for Mental Health Reform.
Speaking after a selection convention in Knocknacarra Community Centre on Monday, Nic Fhionnlaoich said she was honoured to be selected in her ‘home’ constituency.
“If elected, I will commit to fighting for a Galway that works for all the people living there – a Galway where quality of life is guaranteed by decent public services and access to things like affordable housing and quality healthcare.
No one should have to live with the worry of waiting lists for vital care, of eviction notices, of their children being raised for export, of their language disappearing from the world.
“Right now, we’re facing the sharp end of a disability, housing, and healthcare crises that have left many struggling to get by. Even though we’re constantly told that Ireland is doing well economically, ordinary citizens feel more squeezed than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.
“As a TD I will fight to ease the avoidable hardship being experienced by so many in their daily lives. This is something that must not just be acknowledged – it must be addressed.
“The Social Democrats want to deliver a future for Galway West that prioritises the Gaeltacht, the housing crisis, and healthcare services. If elected, I will fight continuously for a real republic of equals where inclusion, diversity and social justice are not just valued, but reflected in government policy.”
The Social Democrats is yet to win a Dáil seat in Galway. In 2020, Niall Ó Thuathail won over 3,600 first preferences, down to almost 2,200 by Councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe in 2024.
Welcoming Nic Fhionnlaoich’s selection, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said she would work closely on the Galway West campaign.
“As Míde’s values so closely align with ours, I am delighted to have a candidate of her calibre running for the Social Democrats in Galway West. Through her roles with UCD Students’ Union and Mental Health Reform, she has a long record of dedicated advocacy which makes her a strong choice as the party’s candidate.
“As a Galway native, Míde is perfectly positioned to understand the needs of this beautiful constituency, which has long been neglected by successive governments when it comes to badly needed investment.
