The Social Democrats have officially launched Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich’s campaign for the forthcoming Galway West by-election.
The launch, which took place in the Harbour Hotel in Galway on Saturday, was attended by Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan TD, Sinéad Gibney TD, and Senator Patricia Stephenson, who is the party’s director of elections for Galway West.
Born and raised in the Gaeltacht, Míde is a native Irish speaker and has been involved in grassroots activism on housing, mental health, the Irish language and neutrality. She previously served as welfare officer for UCD Students’ Union, and subsequently worked for Mental Health Reform.
Speaking at her campaign launch, Míde said:
“Since my selection as a candidate in early February, I have been greatly encouraged by the positive reaction I have received. Those living in this constituency share my vision for a Galway that works for everyone, where quality of life is enhanced by decent public services and access to affordable housing and healthcare that is based on need, not ability to pay.
“My life has been shaped by my Galway West background, where communities come together and support each other time and again. However, I’ve also seen those same communities struggle socially and economically, having been failed and neglected by successive governments.
“Galway deserves a future without constant traffic jams; where there is real affordable housing, a thriving Gaeltacht and health services you can rely on. We just need to elect candidates who are genuinely committed to achieving these goals at local and national level.”
Deputy Cian O’Callaghan said:
“I am delighted to be in Galway for the launch of Míde’s election campaign.
“Running a candidate of Míde’s calibre will give us every chance of building on our party’s recent successes in both the local and general elections, where we almost doubled our number of councillors and TDs, and later saw Patricia Stephenson win our first-ever seat in the Seanad.
““I know Míde is passionate about Galway and will work tirelessly for her constituents as a TD. I look forward to supporting Míde and her campaign team in the weeks and months ahead to help get her elected.”
Senator Patricia Stephenson said:
“I am proud to be working with Míde as her director of elections for this campaign. She is an excellent candidate, with an impressive track record when it comes to campaigning on issues related to Palestine, neutrality, mental health reform, and Irish language and culture.
“We need more women like Míde in politics – and I’m looking forward to helping her get there.”
March 2, 2026