Donal Lyons likely to be new Mayor of Galway

The winds of change which swept through local politics last weekend are unlikely to see a change in the power structure at Galway City Council where Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and former Progressive Democrats have held a Mayoral pact for the past five years. But, if pact holds firm, poll-topping Knocknacarra Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) looks poised to be elected the new Mayor of Galway.
Although Sinn Fein and Independent candidates made significant gains in last Friday’s local elections, the ruling pact would have ten of the 18 seats on the expanded local authority if negotiations prove successful this weekend. If the pact holds firm, poll-topping Knocknacarra Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) – the only “ex-PD” not to serve as Mayor in the outgoing council – can expect to be elected first citizen when the new City Council meets for the first time next Friday.
However, an edict from Fine Gael HQ in Dublin, that party members should form alliances with Labour colleagues where possible – following a disastrous election for the Government parties – could yet scupper Lyons’ chances of becoming first citizen. Fine Gael, whose number of seats rose from three to four despite a fall in support, could forge an alliance with Labour (and others) in the coming days – although Labour’s bargaining power has diminished alarmingly after the party lost three of its five seats last weekend.
Negotiations have been delayed because of a tragic death during an election celebration at Crowe’s Bar, Bohermore, last Sunday night, which occurred after brothers Ollie and Michael Crowe retained their seats on the council for Fianna Fail. The Galway City Tribune understands that Cllr Declan McDonnell will enter negotiations on behalf of fellow Independents Terry O’Flaherty and Donal Lyons. Newly-elected Mike Cubbard and Noel Larkin could also form an alliance with the former PDs. “If the previous pact came together again it would be enough to make a majority on the council,” said Cllr Lyons. “The pact worked well in the past five years and saw out the full five year term.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.