By-election outcome can be future omen – or tell you nothing at all

World of Politics with Harry McGee

Little did he know it at the time – but way back in July 1982, Noel Treacy created a little bit of political history, as the last government candidate to win a by-election for a period that stretched for almost 30 years.

It was a by-election in Galway East, following the death of the Fianna Fáil TD Johnny Callanan. Fianna Fáil was in power at the time and Charles J Haughey was Taoiseach. Only two months previously Haughey had lost a very contentious by-election.

His government was a minority administration hanging on by its finger-nails. So when the position of European Commissioner became vacant, Haughey came up with an old-fashioned stroke.

He persuaded the Fine Gael TD, Richard Burke to take the job, creating a by-election in Dublin West; fertile Fianna Fáil territory where the Lenihans ruled the roost.

If Fianna Fáil won the by-election, it would mean it would not be relying on the support of independents to struggle on in Government. In addition, its candidate, Eileen Lemass, came from Fianna Fáil aristocracy.

But the poll did not follow the script. Fine Gael chose a businessman, Liam Skelly, as its candidate – even though Garrett FitzGerald had never heard of him. But the party ran an energetic campaign and won the by-election against the run of play.

Galway East was then a solid Fianna Fáil constituency. When Callinan died, the party played it straight and there were no tricks or stunts.

Treacy was elected to the Dáil – and became the last government candidate to win a by-election for a period that stretched for almost 30 years, before Patrick Nulty in 2011.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.