The Mayor of Galway, Mike Cubbard, has confirmed he will contest the upcoming Galway West by‑election as an Independent candidate,
Cllr Cubbard said that his campaign will centre on a “Galway First” message, reflecting his belief that Galway needs a stronger voice in national decision‑making.
The 40-year-old native of Westside with family links to the Claddagh, Moycullen and Carna has topped the poll in Galway City Central in three successive local elections since first being elected in 2014.
Mr Cubbard said the advantage of being an Independent TD would be his ability to “deal directly with Government on funding and projects” and to “back what is right for your area and push back on what is not”.
“If the Government asks for my support, I will judge every decision on whether it is good for Galway. If it is, I will back it. If it is not, I will not support it,” he said.
The Galway West constituency returns five TDs to the Dáil. One seat has been vacant since Catherine Connolly was elected President last October.
No firm date has been set for the by-election to fill her vacant seat, but it is expected to be held in the summer.
