With Turley out of the race, I see some of his vote seep away to Stradbally based candidates, more so than across to Port.
Deegan should pick up a few extra here on this. Should be first past the post.
While Cribbin is getting caught in the Government backlash, his connections in both GAA and Rugby circles and his profile on local papers over the past five years should be enough to take second place.
The shiners have a, small but strong campaign team in Vicarstown so Mullins should do well here from Hurley’s retirement also. Mullins has a good team around him in Port and Emo and is now hitting doors for the second time on his canvass.
Murphy would be relatively unknown in the Stradbally area. However, his outgoing personality and his connections with many groups in Port will put him in good stead.
FF hacks will do their best to give him a good showing. Surplus would benefit Cribbin, if needed. A good sweeper.
With Joe Dwyer in Port, McEvoy should gain a few with his GAA connections. Might also pick up a few protest votes from the prison officers and health service workers living in the area. But outside the GAA circle he will be running hard to catch up with the others. Should do well in Stradbally.
Emerson is picking up votes all over Port and Emo. Huge boast with her mother involved and her brother. A bit weak over on the Stradbally/Vicarstown side and could fall down short on first preferences because of this. But should gain enough transfers from Port based candidates to see her scrape home.
Margaret Gujit Lalor should put in a good showing, with her huge family connections and her involvement in many groups the town. Again Stradbally will be her bogie. Will fall short and won’t get to many transfers from other candidates.
Mitchell is leaving it late declaring. All others are up and running with the exception of the last
FG candidate. Mitchell will feel the backlash from GAA people and the Soccer Club over his controversial stand on the sale of the football pitch three years ago. Will fail to reach the winning post.
FG and Emerson should gain from his early departure
Mulhall is good for farmers and a few people in Emo. Full stop.
FG could suffer and lose a few votes because of his personality. Also seen as a
PD candidate, and just running to get a seat, any seat.
Still too early to call the final list but to date:
I see Deegan, Cribbin, Emerson and Another.