After all boxes were opened in the three-seat constituency of Roscommon-South Leitrim, the prediction is that Fine Gael would win two seats and Independents one seat.

“WHO are these people?”

ONE of Brian Cowen’s constituency colleagues has admitted Fianna Fáil will be in “fierce trouble” in Laois-Offaly if the Taoiseach doesn’t run in the general election.

OUTGOING Defence Minister Tony Killeen was a bit like the stealth bomber of the Cabinet — nobody really knew he was there, but colleagues were comforted by his presence none the less.

THE GOVERNMENT faces a legal action against plans to split Co Leitrim for electoral purposes, as locals believe it will deprive the county of a TD.

FINE GAEL is targeting seats in the next general election in five out of the six constituencies where the Green Party has TDs.

THREE-SEAT constituencies did not markedly favour the main parties in the 2002 General Election.