And the seat goes too...

By Orla Walsh

Ireland's North West constituency is the biggest in Ireland, spanning 11 counties and four provinces. Many of the European candidates have found the campaign circuit to be a difficult one. Marian Harkin, Independent said she considered it a big challenge and Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fail said: “It's physically impossible to meet every one of the half a million voters.”
With voting taking place this Friday 5 of June there is a lot of speculation as to who will be successful.With thirteen people running for just three seats the competition is high. Below are just some of my opinions as to the results.

I believe that the people of the North West, and Ireland in general, are looking for an alternative, a person who will give them hope in such bleak circumstances. I think that the independents will come in here. Marian Harkin, as a sitting MEP has had the opportunity to work the constituency since 2004 and I think that she will be re-elected through Friday's vote. I personally see her as a very approachable candidate and think she has always been very visible.

If one is to believe the opinion polls that have been circulating in recent months, this election should bring about a huge shift in party popularity. I think that Fianna Fail are going to receive a huge backlash from the current economic situation that we are in here in Ireland. The citizens are angry and I believe they will show this through their vote on Friday. Because of this, I think that Susan O'Keefe, Labour, will prove popular on Friday. I feel the Labour Party is being perceived as the alternative to the bigger parties like Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and has become increasingly popular. Their leader Eamon Gilmore has consistently outstripped his opponents, Enda Kenny and Brian Cowen. I believe that this proves there is a chance that Susan O'Keefe may be elected.

The big question in the North West constituency is whether Fianna Fail or Fine Gael will take up the third seat. In my opinion, Jim Higgins as a sitting MEP holds an advantage over both Paschal Mooney and Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher. He, like Marian Harkin has been able to work in the constituency. I personally feel that he will be successful in retaining his seat.


But in what order? I think that it will be:

1. Marian Harkin

2. Jim Higgins

3. Susan O'Keefe

Hopefully I'm right, thought that's not saying I'd place a bet or anything..!