Heney likely to replace Haughey if he resigns

THE possibility of Dublin North Central TD Sean Haughey withdrawing from politics was widely discounted yesterday as others in the constituency eyed up the impact such a move would bring.

Currently a four-seater constituency, it will be reduced to just three seats in the next general election, leaving independent TD Finian McGrath in difficulty with or without the presence of the Haughey name on polling day.

With former Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callelly and deputy Fine Gael leader Richard Bruton making up the remaining two seats, McGrath's fate was dealt a severe blow by the latest boundary changes.