Polls give FF two more seats
There has been a double election boost for Bertie Ahern, with polls in two separate constituencies showing Fianna Fail gaining seats.
The big surprise is in Dublin South East, where the survey shows Attorney General Michael McDowell has little chance of winning a seat, and Fine Gael losing a sitting front-bencher.
Labour leader Ruairi Quinn is expected to top the poll, with new Fianna Fail candidate Chris Andrews a surprise second with just under 17% of the vote.
John Gormley is predicted to take the third seat for the Greens, with Minister of State Eoin Ryan beating Fine Gael's Frances Fitzgerald to the fourth.
McDowell is left with a lot to do to even challenge for seventh place, with Sinn Fein's Daithi Doolan polling more than a percentage point higher.
Meanwhile, a poll in Donegal South shows Fianna Fail MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher will regain a Dail seat on his return to domestic politics at the expense of the Independent TD, Tom Gildea.
