The Independent Connacht/Ulster MEP, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon, could take a fifth seat in the Galway West constituency if she declared her intention to run, according to a TG4/MRBI poll.
Ms Scallon could edge out former Arts minister Mr Michael D.Higgins (Lab) for the fifth seat, with Senator Margaret Cox (FF) in with a fighting chance also, the poll finds. It was published last night.
The survey of 400 electors in the five-seat constituency shows that the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, draws most support, with 18 per cent of first preferences in the overall poll, followed by Minister of State for Arts Mr Eamon O Cuiv. The poll also shows Minister of State for the Environment Mr Bobby Molloy (PD) holding his seat comfortably, with an increase in the PD vote.
The people surveyed were given two ballot papers - one with Ms Scallon as a candidate, and one without. The results indicate that if she chose to make a Dail bid from the constituency, she would get 5 per cent of first preferences.
However, this could rise to as much as 15 per cent once her candidacy was declared, according to Mr Jack Jones of MRBI.
Ms Scallon is believed to be interested in standing for the Dail, but has not declared whether she will run in Galway East or West.
The poll shows Fianna Fail holding its 1997 share of 46 per cent of first preference votes, which would rise to 49 per cent if Dana did not appear on the ballot paper.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/13e684a8-3abb-448a-9ed3-dca27c980495.png)