Fianna Fáil's strategy to leave Killarney and east Kerry without a candidate and concentrate on north Kerry is fuelling speculation that there is a pre-election "understanding" between the party and the Healy-Rae brothers that they will support Micheál Martin as Taoiseach.

Advancing Dáil — or dare it be said, Seanad — reform is one of those noble, unquestionable objectives even if nobody really knows where that journey might end.

The eldest daughter of Danny Healy-Rae has been co-opted onto Kerry County Council in a seat vacated by her father on his election to Dáil Éireann.