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Read more about: Electoral Register 
Apart from the startling figure of 400,000 foreign born residents, the preliminary census estimates released in the Republic yesterday could have some startling implications for the next general election, with constituencies in West Dublin and Meath growing exponentially, and rural constituencies falling. Given the profound nature of the shifts, the cabinet has refered the matter of whether a quick re-drawing of constituency boundaries should be complete before next year’s election to the Attorney General Rory Brady. Interestingly, Fine Gael whose residual strength lies outside the capital and Labour differ on the matter.
Other ones to keep an eye on will be Donegal, which may see a merging of two three seaters into a single five seater constituency (which presumably would play havoc with both Fiana Fail and Sinn Fein’s prospects there). And Meath, where a case might just be put for two four seat consituencies. More later…
Isn’t Meath already split into East and West.
Donegal maybe interesting. Sinn Fein would have more to lose then FF
On Slugger, Keith Mills suggests that one of the two Meath seats could be made a four seater. Depending on which one, that may open a slight chance for SF. Agree re any change in Donegal.
There’s also the possibility of making Kerry North & South a single five-seater, which would surely upset a few of the sitting TDs.
Meath is already two constituencies, simon, but it’s two three seaters. If they’re not both made 4 seaters this time around, they probably will be after the next census.
Why is everyone after poor Kerry’s 3 seaters? True they are on the lower side of the average per head which is meant to be within /- 5% of the national average.
Fact is that if you merge them into a 5 seater then they would average 27,800 per seat which would be just as signicantly over the national average of 25,512.
And Limerick East at 23,617 and Limerick West at 23,711 aren’t much closer. It would seem more sensible to move part of Kerry North to Kerry South, part of Limerick West to Kerry North and then have 3 (county) and 4 seater (city). I mean city as in urban Limerick City not as defined by the city and county boundaries.