Galway independents may hold key to Government

October 17th, 2:58pm October 17th, 2:58pm

Declan Tierney

News

Four potential Galway independent TDs could have a major say in the formation of the next Government after the next general election – if they are elected.

Because any possibility of a second term for the current Fine Gael/Labour Government could require the assistance of at least half a dozen ‘reliable’ independents.

And the Connacht Tribune has learned that potential successful independents in Galway would not be averse to sitting down with a Fine Gael-led Government – and they wouldn’t be putting up an insurmountable ‘shopping list’.

That in turn would mean that Galway could have its biggest representation in Government in the history of the State.

Political pundits, along with bookies, are giving two seats to outgoing independent TD Noel Grealish along with former Labour member Cllr Catherine Connolly in Galway West.

In Galway East, Cllr Sean Canney is hotly tipped to take an independent seat having come relatively close back in 2011. The constituency has been reduced to a three-seater in the meantime with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael expected to win just one each.

Then in the new Roscommon-Galway constituency, where there are also three seats up for grabs, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice is favourite to sweep to an independent seat.

Last year he dramatically won a bye-election from his Glinsk base in the old Roscommon-Leitrim constituency – and he could not even vote for himself.

Fitzmaurice told The Connacht Tribune that he did not get elected to have little influence and said that he would have no difficulty in talking to a Fine-led Government.

“It is my ambition to first of all protect what we have left in rural and then increase services and facilities. If I cannot have any influence in this, then I will simply walk away from politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Noel Grealish said that his first priority was to get re-elected and then he would be willing to enter negotiations with anyone willing to form a Government who require independent support.

He said that it would not be in the interest of the people of Galway West if he did not wish to have an influence in the next Government. “If independents are needed, then I am willing to talk,” Deputy Grealish added.

Equally, Cllr Sean Canney said that he too would be willing to enter negotiations if elected but he would be looking for several commitments with regard to the protection of rural Ireland.

He also said that he wanted changes in the way Government worked and how the Dail worked.

“I know that this is not something that can be achieved overnight but if the country was a better place after a five year term, then I would be happy,” Cllr Canney commented.