Fianna Fáil may buck trend by holding seat

FIANNA FÁIL are in with a chance of holding their only seat in Kildare North following Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy’s departure to Brussels to become Ireland’s EU Commissioner.

While many analysts are predicting Fianna Fáil will face a tough by-election battle to retain their seat, the figures contradict this forecast.

Fianna Fáil bucked the national trend in Kildare North in the June local elections by holding their core vote - despite a lot of local anger with Mr McCreevy for failing to provide funds for local schools.