A Galway Labour councillor is one of several party members in the west who have decided to advocate a No vote in the Nice Treaty referendum. Alderman Catherine Connolly, a member of Galway Corporation, has split with her party colleague, former Arts Minister Michael D. Higgins, over the Galway West branch approach to the vote.
Mr Higgins is seeking a Yes vote in line with official Labour policy.
Alderman Connolly said last night that she had been in contact with several other Labour councillors, including Alderman Declan Bree (Sligo), Cllr Brian Scanlon (Sligo) and Cllr Nicky Kelly (Wicklow), all of whom had said that they were going to vote No.
Alderman Connolly, who is regarded as the "heir apparent" to Mr Higgins in Galway West, said that it was extremely important to voice the concerns of the "substantial number" of Labour Party members who had "serious concerns about the Nice Treaty". She said that many constituencies throughout the State were divided on the issue.
