Recent events have put the spotlight on the Dun Laoghaire constituency, one of the country's most high-profile five-seaters. Three senior deputies, FF's David Andrews and FG's Sean Barrett and Monica Barnes, are retiring; Senator Liam Cosgrave was mauled by the internal FG inquiry into donations; Senator Helen Keogh crossed the floor from the PDs to FG and the Labour/ DL merger means two heavy-hitting Labour candidates, Eamon Gilmore and Niamh Bhreathnach, will be battling for a seat. Only junior minister Mary Hanafin can expect an easy time and even then she is likely to get caught up in the struggle for places on the FF ticket - one of which will go to Barry Andrews. Rows are expected on all fronts come election time.
Cosgrave, who is still awaiting an apology from FG following his lengthy letter setting out his position and the errors in the party report, is certain of a FG nomination and may even benefit with the public from the treatment he received. Keogh, who was being wooed by FG long before the O'Flaherty controversy broke, has been promised a nomination in return for switching sides, although some in the constituency resent a blow-in receiving such a plum nomination and could yet stymie it, or possibly select three candidates. Barring unforeseen developments, the selection convention won't take place until late autumn.
The PD convention, on the other hand, will be held next Thursday. Fiona O'Malley is the front runner but will be challenged by Blackrock councillor Victor Boyhan.