1997: FF 46.44%; FG 26.03%; Lab 6.6%; PD 3.3%; GP 3.82%; DL 2.77%; SW 1.62%; Others 9.43%.Outgoing TDs: Ivor Callely, Seán Haughey (FF), Richard Bruton (FG), Derek McDowell (Lab).
Could FF's third candidate, Deirdre Heney, end the Dáil career of Seán Haughey and, with it, Charles Haughey's political dynasty? Certainly, Mr Haughey snr fears that she may. The early counts will also reveal if Labour's Derek McDowell - who polled just 2,848 first preferences in 1997 - is under threat from the active Independent candidate, Finian McGrath. Fine Gael's Richard Bruton needed few transfers last time, but the performance of his running-mate on this occasion, Gerry Breen, could be important if FG's vote in the capital implodes. Watch out for the showing of Sinn Féin's Frances McCole.