Punters plunge on outsiders as race for Dáil seats hots up

THERE has been heavy betting on two General Election candidates in Cork North Central, one of whom entered the race at the last minute, according to Celtic Bookmakers.

The company said yesterday that more than €20,000 had been laid on Dave McCarthy, a former FF councillor, who decided to run as an independent after he failed to get on the party’s ticket. He is being quoted at 8/1 to grab one of the four seats on offer. Meanwhile, another €20,000 has been staked on FG’s Gerry Kelly who is farther back the field at 14/1.

Both Celtic Bookmakers and Paddy Power make Bernard Allen, Noel O’Flynn, Billy Kelleher and Kathleen Lynch firm favourites to retain their seats in that constituency.