M\u00edde Nic Fhionnlaoich has been selected as the Social Democrats\u2019 candidate for the forthcoming Galway West by-election.<\/p>\n
Born and raised in the Gaeltacht, M\u00edde is a native Irish speaker and has been involved in grassroots activism on housing, mental health, the Irish language and neutrality.<\/p>\n
A Bachelor of law graduate, she previously served as welfare officer for UCD Students’ Union, and subsequently worked for Mental Health Reform.<\/p>\n
Speaking after last night\u2019s selection convention in Knocknacarra Community Centre, M\u00edde said:<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honoured to have been selected to contest the by-election for the Social Democrats in Galway West, my home constituency. If elected, I will commit to fighting for a Galway that works for all the people living there \u2013 a Galway where quality of life is guaranteed by decent public services and access to things like affordable housing and quality healthcare.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one should have to live with the worry of waiting lists for vital care, of eviction notices, of their children being raised for export, of their language disappearing from the world.<\/p>\n
“Right now, we’re facing the sharp end of a disability, housing, and healthcare crises that have left many struggling to get by. Even though we’re constantly told that Ireland is doing well economically, ordinary citizens feel more squeezed than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.<\/p>\n
“As a TD I will fight to ease the avoidable hardship being experienced by so many in their daily lives. This is something that must not just be acknowledged \u2013 it must be addressed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Social Democrats want to deliver a future for Galway West that prioritises the Gaeltacht, the housing crisis, and healthcare services. If elected, I will fight continuously for a real republic of equals where inclusion, diversity and social justice are not just valued, but reflected in government policy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Welcoming M\u00edde\u2019s selection, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said:<\/p>\n
\u201cAs M\u00edde\u2019s values so closely align with ours, I am delighted to have a candidate of her calibre running for the Social Democrats in Galway West. Through her roles with UCD Students\u2019 Union and Mental Health Reform, she has a long record of dedicated advocacy which makes her a strong choice as the party\u2019s candidate.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a Galway native, M\u00edde is perfectly positioned to understand the needs of this beautiful constituency, which has long been neglected by successive governments when it comes to badly needed investment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to wish M\u00edde every success in the by-election and look forward to working closely with her during the campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n
February 4, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" M\u00edde Nic Fhionnlaoich has been selected as the Social Democrats\u2019 candidate for the forthcoming Galway West by-election. Born and raised in the Gaeltacht, M\u00edde is a native Irish speaker and has been involved in grassroots activism on housing, mental health, the Irish language and neutrality. A Bachelor of law graduate, she previously served as welfare […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":15230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[802,803,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-galway-west-by-election","category-mide-nic-fhionnlaoich","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n