The decision regarding the future of temporary excise cuts on petrol and diesel will not be influenced by the upcoming byelections in Galway West and Dublin Central, according to Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary.
Byelections Looming Before Excise Cut Expiration
The byelections, expected to be held on May 22nd, will take place just over a week before the excise cuts – implemented to mitigate soaring fuel costs linked to the war in Iran – are scheduled to expire.
Calleary made these remarks following Fianna Fáil’s selection of Cllr Cillian Keane as its Galway West byelection candidate on Sunday evening. He was responding to a question about whether the planned expiration of the excise cuts on May 31st would impact the Government parties’ performance in the two byelections.
Calleary stated that the decision on the excise cuts would be based on national and international factors, not the byelection results. “The decision, no offence to Cillian, won’t be aligned to what’s happening in the byelection” but rather “it will be aligned with what’s happening nationally and internationally,” he said.
He emphasized the Government’s commitment to prioritizing the country’s best interests and ensuring a sustainable response to the energy crisis.
A vacancy exists in the Galway West constituency following Catherine Connolly’s election as President last October. The Dublin Central byelection was triggered by the resignation of Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe, who accepted a position at the World Bank.
Galway West and Dublin Central Candidates
Keane, 25, was first elected to Galway County Council in 2024, representing the youngest candidate in the Athenry-Oranmore local electoral area. He holds a degree in food and agribusiness management from UCD and aims to “offer a fresh perspective” and “a new level of energy and commitment” to the constituency.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised Keane as an experienced councillor with a strong understanding of Galway’s needs and a commitment to public service.
In Galway West, Fine Gael has nominated Senator Seán Kyne, while Sinn Féin has selected trade unionist Mark Lohan. Noel Thomas, a former Fianna Fáil member, is running for Independent Ireland, and Thomas Welby, an independent councillor, is also contesting the election. Sheila Garrity, who convened Connolly’s presidential campaign, will run as an Independent.
The Labour Party has chosen Cllr Helen Ogbu as its candidate, and Social Democrats activist Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich will represent her party. Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard is also running as an Independent, focusing on a “Galway first” message. The Green Party’s candidate is Niall Murphy, Aontú has nominated Orla Nugent, and Denman Rooke is running for People Before Profit.
Sinn Féin’s Mairead Farrell topped the poll in Galway West in the 2024 general election. The other current TDs are independent junior minister Noel Grealish and Fianna Fáil’s John Connolly. Gráinne Seoige, a previous Fianna Fáil candidate, was unsuccessful in that election.
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