Cllr. Helen Ogbu selected for Galway West bye-election

The bye-election to fill the seat vacated by the election of Catherine Connolly as President will take place between now and May, and we know that Helen is up to the challenge of winning back the seat that was long held by the President we have all been so proud of, Michael D. Higgins.

The convention was a joyful occasion – with a packed room of supporters from inside and outside the party. Party leader, Ivana Bacik TD, was joined by Marie Sherlock TD and Senator Nessa Cosgrove on the night. Helen was supported by both her Galway City Council colleagues, with Cllr. Niall McNelis proposing her nomination and Cllr. John McDonagh seconding it. Members from Galway West and beyond were also present to give their backing to Helen’s campaign.

We have a strong campaign team already working hard, led by George Lawlor TD as Director of Elections and Cllr. John McDonagh as Campaign Manager, and Helen is building a broad coalition of support – from her background in community development, and from the hard work she has been doing for the people of Galway City East since her election to the council.

This is an election that we can win, but Helen will need the support of members from across the country, to get out and knock on as many doors as possible across Galway West over the next few months. Stay tuned for further updates on how you can get involved in the campaign. Every euro donated and every door knocked on will bring Helen one step closer to Dáil Éireann.

Gaillimh Ogbu!

Aideen Blackwood

National Organiser

Councillor Helen Ogbu

LABOUR CANDIDATE FOR BYE-ELECTION IN GALWAY WEST

Likely dates: 1/8/15 May 2026

Helen Ogbu – elected Labour Party Councillor in 2024 to represent Galway City East.

She is the first person of colour to serve on Galway City Council.

She was born and raised in Nigeria.

In 2006, she and her family moved to Ireland seeking refuge. Subsequently her husband, Sunny Orji-Ogbu was murdered for his political activity in Nigeria.

Since then, having settled in Galway, Helen has spent 20 years volunteering, mentoring, and advocating for social justice, women’s rights, and mental health.

She has worked for many years in the Galway Volunteer Centre, has served as Chair of the Galway Refugee Support Group.

She has fostered more than 30 children.

Her life’s work has always been about empowering people—through the Ladies Hangout, SAOL Connect, SHEROES and her numerous roles in local organisations.

Talking to the Irish Independent in June 2024, she said her decision to enter local politics was not for herself, but to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Since her election as a Councillor for Galway City East in 2024, she has been a hands-on, visible representative and has brought a fresh perspective to local government – with an unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive Galway for all.

She ran in the 2024 General Election, where she represented Labour impressively well, securing nearly 2000 first preference votes.

Last year, she played a very active role in Galway during Catherine Connolly’s successful campaign for the Presidency, and she is now an active member of the Left alliance that came out of the Connolly campaign in Galway.

Helen’s priorities in this bye-election are housing, transport and the cost of living.

She says:

“Galway West deserves a TD who can relate to and represent everyone — regardless of age, background, creed or colour.”