The results in Roscommon-Galway mark significant milestones for both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. Dr Martin Daly’s election represents a comeback for Fianna Fáil in a constituency where its fortunes have faltered, while Claire Kerrane’s re-election cements Sinn Féin’s growing strength and organisational capability.
Reaction from some older and not so older names in Roscommon politics in the form of Michael Mulligan, Michael Finneran, and Sean Moylan sheds light on these outcomes, offering insight into the dynamics behind the successes of Daly and Kerrane.
Did somebody call for a doctor?
Dr Martin Daly’s victory not only restores Fianna Fáil’s traditional seat in Roscommon-Galway but also serves as a testament to the party’s ability to unite under pressure.
Former TD (and Junior Minister) Michael Finneran highlighted the importance of adhering to democratic decisions within the party, referencing the selection process that led to Daly’s candidacy.
“If a party doesn’t abide by democratic decisions, then the party is in danger of being regarded as not an appropriate political party,” Finneran remarked, adding that the unity shown by Fianna Fáil’s councillors ultimately ensured Daly’s success.
The campaign was not without its challenges, particularly with Eugene Murphy’s independent bid. Sean Moylan, a Fianna Fáil councillor, acknowledged the strain this placed on the party but credited voters with ultimately returning to Fianna Fáil.
“People in our area have a lot of respect for Eugene, but in the end, they came back to Fianna Fáil,” Moylan said, emphasising that the electorate rewarded the party’s collective effort while displaying support for the long-standing Fianna Fáil representative.
Daly’s own professional reputation as a GP in Ballygar also played a key role. Finneran noted that many voters had been patients of Daly’s and valued his contribution to the community.
“If they had one regret,” Finneran reflected, “a number of them said to me, ‘I hope that we don’t miss him as our doctor’”.
Sinn Féin solidify success
For Sinn Féin, Claire Kerrane’s re-election further solidifies the party’s growing dominance in Roscommon-Galway. Michael Mulligan, a former Sinn Féin councillor and a mentor to Kerrane, painted a vivid picture of her rise within the party.
Reflecting on her early involvement, Mulligan remarked, “She’s like a third daughter to me,” describing how he introduced Kerrane to Sinn Féin meetings during her teenage years.
Mulligan praised Kerrane’s intelligence and her ability to connect with people across the political spectrum. “She has a great brain and a quick brain,” he said, adding that her patient and methodical approach has been instrumental in her success. Kerrane’s broad appeal was evident in the election results, with her first preference vote tally of 8,039 growing to 11,087 by the final count, surpassing the quota.
Kerrane’s work ethic and attention to local issues were also noted by Mulligan, who credited her with bringing fresh ideas and energy to Sinn Féin’s strategy. “She has plenty of patience, which is a must in that political job,” he said, underscoring her potential to remain a central figure in the party for years to come.
A contrast
Both Daly and Kerrane represent different but complementary paths to political success in Roscommon-Galway. Daly’s campaign was bolstered by his deep roots in the community and the rallying of a historically loyal Fianna Fáil base.
Finneran, reflecting on Fianna Fáil’s broader strategy, emphasised the importance of staying focused on practical governance, particularly in areas like housing and social services. “We must ensure that the aspiration of the Irish people to have a house of their own is fulfilled,” he said, framing Daly’s election as a step towards achieving these goals.
In contrast, Kerrane’s appeal lies in her role as a torchbearer for a younger, more dynamic Sinn Féin. Mulligan praised her ability to articulate Sinn Féin’s vision and connect with voters, saying: “What she says makes sense… She’ll be the mainstay of Sinn Féin politics for many a day to come”.
Looking ahead
The election of Dr Martin Daly and the re-election of Claire Kerrane highlight the shifting but still vibrant political landscape in Roscommon-Galway.
As Cllr Moylan put it, Daly’s victory “proves Fianna Fáil made the right decision” in selecting him while also admitting that he had called for a two-candidate strategy and that Eugene Murphy should have been the second candidate. He acknowledged that in hindsight he was probably wrong about a two-candidate strategy.
Murphy made quite a lot of an issue about county boundaries during the campaign; however, Moylan reiterated that his belief was always that there should have been a candidate in the north and south of the constituency irrespective of county boundaries.
Kerrane’s continued success is a testament to Sinn Féin’s growing organisational strength. Both TDs now face the challenge of translating their electoral mandates into tangible benefits for the constituency, ensuring that the trust placed in them by voters is rewarded with meaningful action.
As Fianna Fáil (48 seats) emerge from the election, yet again, as the largest party in the State, Sinn Féin (39 seats) has moved up the league table pushing Fine Gael (38 seats) into third position.
Roscommon-Galway is one of four constituencies nationally that returned a TD for the newly-formed political party Independent Ireland. Michael Fitzmaurice, the four-time TD and two-time poll-topper has been very direct in his desire to restore “common sense” to national politics through the new political movement and has stated that his party will seriously consider supporting a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael-led government but that it “would not sell its soul” to obtain power.
Given the dearth of political cohesion on a national level, it’s all to play for in terms of Roscommon-Galway as the constituency returns three TDs, any of whom could potentially make up part of the next Government. As coalition negotiations kick off, the 34th Dàil will convene on December 18th.
