1997: FF 39.05%; FG 44.18%; Lab 6.75%; GP 3.49%; NP 5.12%; Others 1.41% .Outgoing TDs: Joe Walsh ( FF), PJ Sheehan and Jim O'Keeffe (FG).
Fianna Fáil's Joe Walsh's hopes of retaining ministerial office could depend on whether he brings home his running mate, Sen Denis O'Donovan - particularly given that he should get a boost from his handling of the foot-and-mouth crisis. O'Donovan needs to increase his first preference tally by approximately 1,000 or more if he is to challenge the weaker of the Fine Gael candidates, Bandon-based Jim O'Keeffe. For the future, pay close attention to the performance of Labour's youthful candidate, Michael McCarthy, who is bidding to regain a seat held for so long by party stalwart Michael Pat Murphy. McCarthy is regarded by Labour as one of its brightest long-term hopes.