1997: FF 34.86%; FG 26.19%; Labour 19%; PD 6.69%; GP 4.47%; DL 8.80%.Outgoing TDs: Charlie McCreevy ( FF), Bernard Durkan (FG) and Emmet Stagg (Lab).
With just six candidates, Kildare North's early results should provide evidence of whether FG meltdown fears are for real. A drop in the first-preference vote of outgoing deputy Bernard Durkan will put him in trouble, particularly if FF's Cllr Paul Kelly or the PDs' Kay Walsh show strongly, since Durkan has no running-mate. Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy should top the poll.