MINISTER for Education Niamh Bhreathnach's Laoghaire may be under threat in the upcoming general election. Following an internal Fianna Fail poll conducted in the constituency, FF is confident of taking two seats in Dun Laoghaire, a feat which it failed to pull off in 1992 when David Andrews didn't succeed in bringing in a running mate.

The five seat constituency was the only one to return a candidate for each of the five main parties in the 1992 general election. Mary Hanafin and local councillor Larry Butler are likely to be the two FF candidates running with Andrews, although there is speculation that Crimeline presenter David Harvey could emerge as an FF candidate.

If FF's poll is right, this would leave the Minister slugging it out with the other sitting TDs Democratic Left's Eamon Gilmore, Helen Keogh of the PDs and FG's Sean Barrett for one of the three remaining seats.

The prospect of fighting to retain her seat will come as a cruel blow to the Minister, following the effort she has put into the publication of both the Universities Bill and the Education Bill, the forthcoming Youth Services Bill and the Teastas report.

Meanwhile, USI is planning a high profile campaign for the election, with on campus hustings and a 10 point plan of campaign which will provide students with the basic knowledge they need to tackle canvassers and politicians.

According to USI, 250,000 young people have turned 18 since the 1992 general election, creating a huge youth and student vote which the national union hopes to turn to its advantage. "It's the first time USI has targeted a general election in years," says USI deputy president Noeleen Hartigan.

To add to Breathnach's woes, USI is to concentrate particularly on the Minister's constituency of Dun Laoghaire. Still, there is some consolation for the beleaguered Minister. Following her recent initiative in the south east, she could always ride the tide of popularity and run in Waterford.