The Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Mr Micheal Kitt, could lose his seat in the next election, according to the results of a political constituency poll published yesterday.
The poll conducted by the Galway Advertiser and Bluebird Marketing indicates that the deputy, who has served for the past 27 years, could face a challenge from party colleague, Mr Joe Callanan, for the fourth seat.
The survey, conducted last month among a sample of 400 people in 40 different locations in the four-seater constituency, reveals that Fine Gael TD, Mr Paul Connaughton, may only just edge out Mr Callanan for the third seat.
The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr Noel Treacy, topped the poll in the survey - a result which would indicate that he has put his European election defeat behind him. Mr Treacy finished behind both independent candidates, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon, and Ms Marian Harkin, in the 1999 European elections and Ms Scallon took the seat in a closely fought contest. Mr Treacy is followed by Fine Gael TD, Mr Ulick Burke.
The poll shows Fianna Fail on 51 per cent, Fine Gael 35.6 per cent and independents 12.63 per cent.