An opinion poll published in Mayo today indicates that Fine Gael may retain its three seats in the five-seater constituency, but Fianna Fáil is under pressure to retain its two seats.
The MRBI poll shows that Fine Gael has consolidated its position, with 49 per cent of first preferences - identical to that in the 1997 election. Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil has slipped four points to 39 per cent of first preferences.
One of the three sitting Fine Gael TDs, Mr Michael Ring, tops the poll with 19 per cent of first preferences, followed by party colleague and public enterprise spokesman Mr Jim Higgins. The Fianna Fáil junior health minister, Dr Tom Moffatt, is on 17 per cent.
The survey of 400 electors indicates that these three candidates should be elected on the first or second counts, and after that there could be a tussle for the last two places. Former Fine Gael minister Mr Enda Kenny, is on 10 per cent, and he is followed by a Fianna Fáil senator, Mr Frank Chambers, at 8 per cent. Outgoing Fianna Fáil TD Ms Beverly Cooper-Flynn, who is still excluded from the parliamentary party, is on 7 per cent, level with fellow FF candidate Mr John Carty. She is said to be running a very strong campaign.
However, a strong challenge is being posed by Independent candidate Dr Jerry Cowley, of Mulranny, at 6 per cent. It is expected that Fine Gael transfers will ensure Mr Kenny's return but after that the battle will be between three Fianna Fáil candidates and Dr Cowley. Fine Gael senator Mr Ernie Caffrey, is on 3 per cent.
Mr Ring scored a satisfaction rating of 72 per cent, while Mr Kenny is at 68 per cent.
Meanwhile, Ms Cooper-Flynn scored a satisfaction rating of just 36 per cent.
