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The General Election campaign in Galway West could take an interesting new twist - there is every possibility that South Connemara councillor Seosaimh Ó Cuaig wiIl be a candidate.
It is understood that he bas received a number of approaches to contest a seat in the constituency. If he does decide to run, it is thought most likely that it will be for Sinn Féin - he would be a formidable candidate if Sinn Féin can woo him to their ticket.
The Carna based politician has been involved in community activities,
Gaeltacht issues and the promotion ofthe Irish language for many years and is an important figure in Connemara politics.
He succeeded in getting over 1,300 first preferences in the
2004 Local Elections for Galway County Council - third higbest number of votes in tbe area behind Cllr. Séamus Walsh (Ind) and Seán Ó Tuairisg (FF).
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When contacted by The Connacht Tribune, Clir. Ó Cuaig confirmed that be had received a number of approaches and was considering his options. He said that be would make a firm decision in tbe New Year.
There is a strong feeling in the constituency that if be is a
candidate in the General Election be would make strong strong contender - as weIl as taking a sizable cbunk of votes tbat might be otherwise destined for Minister Éamon Ó Cuív (FF).
Clir. Ó Cuaig was very critical of Ó Cuív following the County Council elections two and a half years ago when the Gaeltacbt Minister who advised the public not to vote for independent candidates - describing them as "toothless tigers."
After that election, Ó Cuaig said that it was a victory for the toothless tigers in a rebuke to Minister Ó Cuív. He bas always prided bimse!f on being an anti-establisbment figure.
Cllr. Ó Cuaig wbo is also an Údarás na Gaeltachta member, has a background in community politics stretching back almost 40 years.
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In the 1960s be was involved witb community activist groups such as Cearta Sibhialtana Gaeltacbta, and then Cumhacbt. He played a key role in the demands for the setting up of Raidio na Gaeltachta and TG4. and was
behind the establishment of a ntnnber co-ops in tbe region.
The broadcaster and journalist said that be xvould not be ruling anytbing out and I added that be would be giving due consideration to any offer he has received.
"I can confirm that I bave been approacbed to run in the next General Election and tbe only tbing I can say at the moment is that I am considering my options and my office will issue a statement in due course," said Cllr. Ó Cuaig.
If he does decide to contest the election, il is is tbought most likely that it would be on a Sinn Fein ticket and he would join Galway city based candidate Ann Marie Carroll, wbo was standing at a lowly one per cent in a recent TG4 opinion poll.
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