Veteran politicians knocked on all sides

The loss of many high-profile candidates in the 2002 election has shocked experienced observers.

Two former leaders of parties - Labour’s Dick Spring and Fine Gael’s Alan Dukes - did not get the needed votes.

In addition, Fine Gael’s deputy leader Jim Mitchell and Mary O’Rourke of Fianna Fail were disappointed at failing to get into the next Dail.

Another shock for Labour was the loss of their finance spokesman Derek McDowell in Dublin North Central.

Fine Gael's losses have included Nora Owen, Brian Hayes, Alan Shatter and Charles Flanagan.