Good news for Mayo, FF, FG, SF and independents in latest 'Euro' election poll

An opinion poll published today by the Sunday Independent suggests the three main parties - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin - are polling solidly ans are likely to win at least one seat each in the five-seat midlands north west constituency.

The survey, undertaken by the newspaper in association with Ireland Thinks, also indicates strong support for outgoing independent MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Ireland Independent candidate, former RTÉ midlands correspondent Ciaran Mullooly.

Two of the Mayo-based candidate, outgoing Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh and Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers, are in the battle for seats.

Ms. Walsh is rated at 9% alongside her party colleague, Nina Carberry.

They are placed behind Barry Cowen (FF) and 'Ming' Flanagan on 10%.

Chambers is on six per cent, three points less than the Irish Times poll published on Saturday.

She is alongside Aontú leader Peader Tóibin, considered in many quarters as being a strong contender for a seat.

Mullooly is on 8% alongside Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew with outgoing SF MEP Chris MacManus on 7%.

Although trends are pointing in a particularly direction - Independents (2), FF (1), FG (1) and SF (1) - there is much to play for over the coming three weeks of the campaign with plenty of twists and turns likely.