Galway prepares to go to the polls

Galway goes to the polls this Saturday, knowing that what had looked like a fairly predictable battle three weeks ago has now turned into a whole different political dogfight.

The rise of Sinn Féin in the opinion polls has thrown down the gauntlet to the big guns in particular – with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael finding themselves on the back foot.

Whether that translates into significant changes among the Galway contingent in the 33rd Dáil will only be known early next week – because while matters in the three-seaters of Galway East and Roscommon/Galway are expected to conclude on Sunday, the five-seat Galway West count is a different matter.

Back in 2011, this constituency saw two recounts – and a count that lasted for 70 hours. And while last time out was a more straight-forward affair, it is still traditionally one of the longest in the country.

It remains to be seen how the decision to vote on a Saturday will work. And the weather is also a factor – and the weekend will see an end to the spring-like conditions enjoyed this week.

Met Éireann is forecasting up to 15 millimetres of heavy rain accompanied by very strong winds, peaking on Saturday afternoon along the entire west coast.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Saturday – and counts begin on Sunday morning at Galway Lawn Tennis Club for Galway West; Presentation College, Headford for Galway East and at the Hyde Centre for Roscommon/Galway.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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