GALWAY – Sheila Garrity, who featured prominently in Catherine Connolly’s campaign for President, will launch her own campaign for the Galway West seat left vacant by Connolly’s win, on Sunday, January 18th, from 4-6pm at the Slatehouse Bar in Busker Brownes, Kirwan Lane.
A by-election to fill the Dáil seat must be held by May 11, or within six months since Connolly assumed the presidency last Nov. 11. Connolly had been serving her third term as an Independent TD in Galway West until she was elected as the country’s 10th President last October with more than 63% of the vote.
Garrity, a longtime lecturer at the University of Galway and currently Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at DCU, served as the convenor of Connolly’s campaign in Galway City, canvassing extensively and organising events, including the final campaign gathering in Salthill where she gave an inspiring speech on unifying the left to hold off right-wing politicians who scapegoat immigrants and minorities.
“For over 20 years, I’ve worked alongside communities, volunteers, and local activists to support the causes, campaigns and candidates that reflect the values I believe in. I’m stepping forward now, for the first time as a candidate, because I want to continue that work — directly, openly, and with the people of Galway West at the centre”.
“My priority is simple: the needs of the people of Galway West come first. Every decision should be shaped by fairness, dignity, and an awareness of the lived realities of our varied communities – from our islands, to villages and towns, to our urban neighbourhoods. As an independent candidate, I am not beholden to a political party or other vested interests – I only answer to the people of Galway West and I will fight to improve the quality of life for all those who call Galway West home.”
Ahead of the formal election call, Garrity will be hosting a series of community meetings around the constituency, meeting with and listening to community members, to better understand local issues, from the perspective of local people. Information about upcoming events can be found at garrityforgalway.ie or through the campaign’s social media sites.