The battle within Fine Gael over who will become the next mayor of Galway city is far from over as party grassroots are set to throw Hildegarde Naughton a lifeline which could see her snatch the chain from Pádraig Conneely at the 11th hour.
Despite reports this week that Cllr Conneely had secured the post for himself at the expense of Cllr Naughton, it has emerged that there is much discontent among members about the situation.
The mayoralty is shared between the Galway City Council’s controlling pact of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the three Independent former PDs. Under this rotation system it is Fine Gael’s ‘turn’ to hold the position for 2011/2012.
As Cllr Connelly held the post in 2008/2009 and Cllr Frank Fahy was only co-opted onto the council in March, Cllr Naughton was widely seen as being ‘in line’ to become mayor.
Cllr Conneely remained keen to take the post and it is understood that he secured the support of Cllr Fahy for his nomination, thereby giving him two votes, and leaving Cllr Naughton with only her own vote to support herself.
As a result Cllr Conneely was now seen as ‘the mayor in waiting’ but it seems he may have gone a step too far this time for Fine Gael members and there are reports of much unhappiness within party organisations across Galway West at the move.
One party source told the Galway Advertiser that the “vast majority of members are fuming over this ‘shafting’ of Cllr Naughton’” and want to see the situation reversed so that Cllr Naughton can become mayor. Many feel there is a principle at stake and they are also concerned to see the promotion of women in Galway politics.
Moves are now underway to hold a meeting of the Galway West Fine Gael Officer Board - which includes the constituencies national and local elected representatives, as well as branch chairs and treasurers - to discuss and resolve the issue.
“As the meeting to elect the mayor does not take place until next month there is still time,” said the source, “but it’s important we do this. Fine Gael can not be an ‘old boys club’ anymore. There are principles at stake.”
“There is a sense too that Cllr Naughton is being punished for her stance on planning matters last year when she refused to be forced to vote along party lines for something with which she was not in agreement.
“She polled very well in the election and is very popular in the city especially. Treating her like this is a step too far for the people who are plotting against her.” the source said.
