The mayor of Galway city is to contest the Galway West by-election triggered by Catherine Connolly’s inauguration as president of Ireland. Mike Cubbard, a 40-year-old independent councillor who describes himself as centre-right, said he would contest the election with a “Galway First” message. The Westside native topped the poll in Galway City Central in three local elections. The Galway West by-election will be held in May to fill the seat vacated by Ms Connolly when she became president of Ireland. The city council arranged the contract, it’s their problem.”Other candidates in the Galway West by-election include senator Sean Kyne (Fine Gael), councillor Helen Ogbu (Labour Party), councillor Noel Thomas (formerly Fianna Fáil, now with Independent Ireland), and independent councillor Thomas Welby.

Source: Irish Examiner March 26, 2026 22:21 UTC