1997: FF 38.44%; FG 34.67%; Lab 3.96%; SF 19.37%; CS 3.4%; Others 0.17%.Outgoing TDs: Rory O'Hanlon and Brendan Smith (FF) ; Andrew Boylan and Seymour Crawford (FG); Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (SF).
Sinn Fein's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin's will be pushed to remain as the poll-topper here, if there is a swing to FF. Given its 38% share of the vote last time, FF has plenty of room for improvement. Equally, Fine Gael's Andrew Boylan's first preference vote could offer early hints that his seat is under threat. In 1997, he got 4,894 first preferences, and can afford to lose none.
A drop could see his Virginia-based running mate, Paddy O'Reilly threatening. Former Health Minister Dr Rory O'Hanlon could see a slippage in his vote because of local anger about Monaghan Hospital.