1997: FF 38.04%; FG 22.97%; Lab 4.20%; GP 4.21%; Others 30.58%. Outgoing TDs: Mary Coughlan (FF); Dinny McGinley (FG); Tom Gildea ( Ind)
The result here is the most predictable in the election. The only issue at hand is the size of the vote that will be garnered by former Minister of State Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, compared to his running mate, Minister of State Mary Coughlan. More interestingly, examine carefully the first preferences of outgoing TD Dinny McGinley and his running mate, former TD Jim White, for signs of whether there could be a change in representation. The transfers of Independent TD Tom Gildea's replacement on the ballot paper, Gwen Breslin, could favour McGinley for geographical reasons.