North Down will be the focus for pro-and anti-agreement unionists when counting begins on Thursday week in this the most changeable of constituencies. Dan Keenan, Northern News Editor.
The final seat here will be among the most unpredictable anywhere, and could have a huge influence on the agreement's fortunes in any Assembly.
Noted for its relative affluence, North Down is often referred to as the gold coast of Northern Ireland. It has the second smallest population of the 18 constituencies, the second oldest age profile and is a unionist heartland.
Last time the Ulster Unionists captured three seats, Mr Robert McCartney took one seat for his UK Unionists, Ms Eileen Bell took a seat for Alliance. The final seat went to Ms Jane Morrice, of the Women's Coalition.
The political landscape in North Down has changed dramatically in the interim. Mr Peter Weir, one of the UUP Assembly members, was expelled, and he joined the Rev Ian Paisley's DUP.
Mr McCartney, who was the area's MP in 1998, was dramatically pushed into second place by Lady Hermon in the 2001 Westminster election.
Although solid Ulster Unionist territory, the party has grounds for counting on two rather than three seats here. Gone is the second World War veteran Sir John Gorman, who is retiring. The ticket will be led by outgoing Assembly and Policing Board member Mr Alan McFarland. He is joined by a first-time Assembly hopeful Ms Diana Peacocke and by Mr Leslie Cree.
The DUP, perhaps reflecting greater confidence on its part, is running two candidates, with the vociferous local councillor Mr Alex Easton joining Mr Weir.
The Alliance party is also running two candidates, with Mr Stephen Farry standing alongside his deputy leader, Ms Eileen Bell. As Westminster candidate in 2001, he dropped out of the election to help facilitate Lady Hermon's victory over the anti-agreement Mr McCartney.
Mr McCartney is joined on the UK Unionist ticket by Mr Thomas Sheridan, with at least one seat seeming secure.
Competition for the final seat being defended by Ms Morrice of the Women's Coalition will be intense. The party refuses to acknowledge any threat, insisting that the grip on the seat will be strengthened. Ms Morrice was elected last time with 4.8 per cent of first preferences.
The SDLP and Sinn Féin are running single candidates with a view to building a platform for next year's council elections.
The Greens are putting up Mr John Barry. The Conservatives are offering Mr Julian Robertson. There are also four independents.