Michael Fitzmaurice Selected to Run in Roscommon-Galway for Independent Ireland, Committed to Delivering for Rural Communities

n a decisive move ahead of the General Election, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice has announced he will seek re-election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, doubling down on his commitment to the people he has represented for the past decade. Deputy Fitzmaurice, who first secured his Dáil seat in the 2014 Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election, emphasised his loyalty to Roscommon and Galway communities and his resolve to deliver for Rural Ireland.

Councillor Declan Geraghty, meanwhile, will run for Independent Ireland in Galway East. A Williamstown native with deep business roots across County Galway, Geraghty’s local connections and understanding of Galway East’s challenges make him an ideal candidate to represent the constituency’s diverse needs.

Fitzmaurice stands firm 

In making the choice to remain in Roscommon-Galway, Fitzmaurice is opting for the tougher road, refusing to take the easier path in Galway East. “I’m not running from a challenge. I’m standing by the people who stood by me over the past ten years,” he said. “From Roscommon to Galway, and South Leitrim before that, the support I’ve received has been nothing short of humbling. I have worked hard to deliver for these communities and will continue to do so, whatever the result.”

This decision to stay in Roscommon-Galway is undoubtedly a significant political gamble. Yet, for Deputy Fitzmaurice, it’s one worth taking, as he remains focused on his mission to champion rural issues and ensure that Roscommon-Galway has a genuine voice in Leinster House.

Geraghty for Galway East

Councillor Declan Geraghty, now proudly running for Galway East, brings a wealth of local insight and business experience to the table. As a Williamstown man with strong business ties throughout Galway, Geraghty knows what the people of Galway East need to thrive. He is committed to tackling key issues such as rural crime and dwindling Garda numbers, agriculture, housing, and economic development, and is energised by the opportunity to bring fresh, independent representation to Galway East.

“With my roots here in Williamstown and my business firmly established in the heart of Galway, I know the constituency and I know the issues people face every day,” Geraghty said. “I’m honoured to step forward for Galway East and to work for sustainable growth, for our rural communities, and for the values we share across the West.”

Commitment 

Both politicians remain resolutely focused on strengthening the social and economic fabric of Rural Ireland. Fitzmaurice pointed to his track record as a fierce advocate for farmers and rural communities. “From the outset, my work has been about giving a voice to Rural Ireland — whether that’s the farmer in Roscommon or Galway or any part of Ireland, the small business owner , or the hard-working families in every town and village in between. I’ve fought for them since 2014, and I’m not stopping now,” he said.

Under the Independent Ireland banner, Fitzmaurice is confident that Roscommon-Galway and Galway East can secure representation that will truly work for rural interests in Leinster House. Geraghty’s campaign for Galway East reinforces that vision, bringing new energy and a local perspective to one of the region’s most dynamic constituencies.

Strong independent voices

Deputy Fitzmaurice praised Independent Ireland’s growing presence across the West, pointing to the experienced team now running for the Dáil, including Councillor Chris Maxwell in Mayo, Councillor Noel Thomas in Galway West, and Councillor Michael Clarke in Sligo-Leitrim. With strong showings in recent local elections, Independent Ireland candidates offer a fresh, credible choice for rural Ireland. 

Geraghty said: “I have given a voice to all in our communities as County Councillor, and I will continue to give a voice to the people, on the national stage, should they chose to send me to Dáil Éireann.

“I will work hard for the people of my area from farmers to builders, and nurses to teachers. If I’m sent to the Dáil, I will tackle the difficulties in the disabilities and intellectual disability sector head on and make it a priority in the next Government.”

Fitzmaurice concluded: “The people of the West deserve dedicated representatives who know their needs, and Independent Ireland is giving them that option. Declan, like the rest of our team, brings first-class knowledge of local issues and a strong commitment to our communities.”

Government ambition 

Doggedly ambitious Fitzmaurice laid his cards out on the table when it came to Government negotiation talks and while many critics say Fitzmaurice is not seriously interested in going into Government, the straight-talking TD made his position clear, he isn't going to sell his soul for top job, but if the formula for Government is right, he intends on being at the cabinet table: “The people of the West of Ireland deserve dedicated representatives who know their needs, and Independent Ireland is giving them that option. Declan, like the rest of our team, brings first-class knowledge of local issues and a strong commitment to our communities.

“While I know the prevailing notion among many of my critics is that I’ve been to the Government negotiation talks on two occasions and failed to make it into Government, but the fact of the matter is that Independent Ireland is party with policies on every pillar issue from agriculture to housing and crime to rural development. 

“As a sitting TD for the Party and spokesperson on Agriculture, if I am lucky enough to be re-elected by the people of Roscommon-Galway, I have every intention of going into Government - provided our policies are adopted by coalition partners. 

“There is a real opportunity now for Rural Ireland and in particular the West of Ireland, to send a team to Dáil Éireann who will put their interests first and prioritise tackling the challenges facing rural regions head-on.”