Sinn Fèin tipped for 'possible seat gain' in Mayo by top analyst

A LEADING Irish political commentator has identified the four-seat Mayo constituency as one where Sinn Fèin can make 'a possible seat gain'.

In his election prediction, Harry McGee, political correspondent with the Irish Times, stated: "The target is a Fine Gael seat.

"Rose Conway-Walsh is an excellent Senator but always seemed to be coming up a little short in Mayo.

"But the surge in party support will certainly make her a contender here, and if she is ahead of the Greens’ Saoirse McHugh, which is likely, her transfers might push the Sinn Féin candidate over the line."

McGee's prediction on the number of seats to be won by the various parties and groupings is as follows:

Fianna Fáil: 53

Fine Gael: 38

Sinn Féin: 28

Labour Party: 8

Green Party: 14

Social Democrats: 3

Sol-PBP: 2

Others: 14

*80 seats required to form a government.