Constituency profile: Wicklow

It took three days and 19 rounds of counting to elect five Wicklow TDs in 2011.

Election counters have already been told the same cannot happen again, and the returning officer has warned Wicklow cannot be the last past the post.

The constituency is diverse, encompassing urban enclaves that are extensions of southside Dublin, remote mountain farms, marine industry, and some of the most visited tourist sites in the country.

With many people commuting from across Co Wicklow into Dublin each day, childcare is an issue which impacts on a large percentage of the constituency. Young families will be eager to hear policy proposals on childcare, as will many pensioners who take care of grandchildren while parents work.

While the northern end of the constituency is flourishing, other centres, such as Arklow and Wicklow town, still suffer social and unemployment issues which will no doubt be raised at voters’ doors.

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The urban-rural divide is stark and the constituency is divided roughly between the built-up east and less developed west.

Fine Gael is therefore well placed to collect votes on both fronts, with junior minister Simon Harris expected to take the chai latte- drinking set around Greystones, while sheep farmer Andrew Doyle will appeal to their country cousins.

Mr Harris preformed strongly in dealing with the floods, increasing his profile nationally, which has put him on a good footing to secure a prominent cabinet role if the main Government party is returned.

Independent Stephen Donnelly is now part of the Social Democrats, while Billy Timmins is on the Renua Ireland team. Both will be battling for the final two seats along with the Fianna Fáil pair.

Labour’s Anne Ferris is unlikely to retain her seat as the party slumps.

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