1997: FF 36.44%; FG 30.12%; Lab 8.13%; PDs 4.25%; SF3.56%; DL 10.73%; Others 6.77%.Outgoing TDs: Ned O'Keeffe and Michael Ahern (FF); Paul Bradford and David Stanton (FG).
Will Ned O'Keeffe head the poll here, despite his resignation amidst controversy as Minister for State for Agriculture? Given his heightened local profile of recent months, the Mitchelstown-based deputy clearly believes that coming first will stand as a personal vindication and represent a snub to Bertie Ahern. Watch out for the first preference showings of the two Labour candidates, Joe Sherlock and John Mulvihill - particularly if they hold clues about later transfer patterns between the two. Successful vote management could mean an end to the Dáil career of Midleton-based outgoing FG TD Denis Stanton. An increased first preference vote for his running mate, Mallow-based Paul Bradford, will indicate that his place as Michael Noonan's Chief Whip has increased his profile locally.