Galway West: Thomas makes strong gains for Independent Ireland ...
By Dara Bradley
Independent Ireland has made big gains in Conamara at the expense of Fianna Fáil, Galway West tallies suggest.
With 40% of boxes opened, the new party’s County Councillor Noel Thomas, a former Fianna Fáil man, is on 13% of the vote – thanks to surge in support in Conamara.
He’s in a battle for a seat with City Councillor John Connolly (FF) on 13%, Catherine Connolly (Ind) on 12%, Mairead Farrell on 14%, Fine Gael’s duo of Seán Kyne (10%) and Hildegarde Naughton (8%).
Noel Grealish, another Independent, is on 5% but will benefit from boxes east of Galway City (Oranmore, Carnmore, Claregalway) which are yet to be tallied.
Broadcaster Gráinne Seoige (FF) is on 5%; Helen Ogbu (Labour) is on 3%; Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green) is on 3%; Eibhlín Seoighthe (Soc Dem) is on 4%, and Mike Cubbard Ind is on 4%.
