Senator Seán Kyne has been selected to contest the upcoming bye-election in Galway West for Fine Gael.
He had been competing against Councillor Eddie Hoare and former President of Young Fine Gael Eoghan Gallagher, who were both also nominated to be potential candidates, but ultimately fell short of Kyne.
He was a TD up until 2020, when he lost his Dáil seat in that year’s general election. He was subsequently appointed to the Seanad by then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, where he has remained since.
Now he’s hoping to reclaim his seat and return to the Dáil.
In a press release issued late last night, the party confirmed that members in the constituency voted in a selection convention at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill.
“I am delighted to be selected by the party members in Galway West to contest the forthcoming bye election on behalf of Fine Gael,” Kyne said.
“I look forward to a positive campaign, meeting voters across the constituency and continuing to use my experience to help people and to represent Galway in Dail Eireann.”
Kyne, who is from Maigh Cuilinn, has spent over two decades in politics as a Councillor, TD, and Minister of State. He has also served as Government Chief Whip and is the current Leader of the Seanad.
The 50-year-old has previously served as Minister for the Gaeltacht and has held positions on Oireachtas committees regarding health, the Irish language, and defence. During his time in office, he has supported the Galway Transportation Plan and advocated for investment in University Hospital Galway.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said the entire Fine Gael organisation would support the candidate as they work to win back the Dáil seat.
“Seán is a hard-working, community-driven candidate with a track record of public service,” Harris said.
“I have no doubt he will serve as a tremendous representative of the people in Galway West in Dáil Éireann.”
The Fine Gael leader added that he looked forward to meeting people in the constituency to set out the party’s agenda.
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke will be the Fine Gael Director of Elections for the contest.
Earlier this month, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed his intention to hold bye-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central during the month of May later this year.