Commuter issues will be to the fore in the by-election in Kildare North, the fast-growing constituency that epitomises the rapid development of Dublin's periphery in the boom years.
With many young families moving into the constituency because of high house prices in Dublin, issues such as childcare and schools will be prominent in the campaign. The population growth has also led to calls for a greater Garda presence on the streets.
The main health question surrounds Naas hospital, where new units remain unopened despite a multi-million-euro investment programme.
Fianna Fáil is confronted with a significant challenge in seeking to retain the seat vacated by Mr Charlie McCreevy.
While Mr McCreevy was his party's main man in the constituency for years, no obvious replacement has emerged. The fact that the party has yet to find a candidate was one of the reasons behind the Government's reluctance to move the writ yesterday.
Neither Mr Charlie McCreevy jnr nor Mr Paul Kelly, who polled well in 2002, was prepared to seek a nomination. The convention is tomorrow night. The candidates are Mr Michael Fitzpatrick, Ms Aine Brady, Mr Wille Callaghan, Mr Anthony Creevey and Mr Liam Doyle.
As one of Mr McCreevy's closest associates locally, Mr Fitzpatrick expects to do well. Ms Brady - a sister of the Government chief whip, Mr Tom Kitt - is considered the favourite.
Fianna Fáil had 43.21 per cent of the vote in 2002, and Mr Kelly came near to taking the Fine Gael seat of Mr Bernard Durkan. But while Fianna Fáil struggles to put its house in order, rival candidates have been in the field for weeks and months.
The party's biggest challenge is likely to come from the Leixlip-based independent, Ms Catherine Murphy.
Fine Gael is fielding Mr Darren Scully, a 31-year-old engineering surveyor. Senator Kate Walsh of the PDs, who has been in the field since before Christmas, polled well in the 2002 general election.
The Labour Party has selected Mr Paddy MacNamara as its candidated. A Naas councillor, Mr J.J. Power, is running for the Greens.
Paddy MacNamara, Labour
Catherine Murphy, Independent
J.J. Power, Green
Darren Scully, Fine Gael
Senator Kate Walsh, PDs
The Fianna Fáil convention will be held tomorrow night. Those seeking nominations are: Mr Michael Fitzpatrick; Ms Áine Brady; Mr Willie Callaghan; Mr Anthony Creevey; and Mr Liam Doyle.
