The key constituencies that will have a big say in the general election

Ireland has its share of, what in America would be called swing states, and here Elaine Loughlin looks at five constituencies that could signal what way the election is going to go

Tánaiste Micheál Martin (right) will hope that Carrigaline-based councillor Seamus McGrath (left) will win a a seat in the General Election for Fianna Fáil in Cork South Central. Photo: Micheál Martin on X

With 14 extra Dáil seats up for grabs, a high number of incumbent TDs standing aside as well as a groundswell in support for Independents, this election campaign makes for an unpredictable mix.

But there are a number of key constituencies — our equivalent of America's swing states — that will provide an indication of the overall outcome for the main parties as well as smaller groupings.