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. And Meath, where a case might just be put for two four seat consituencies. More later…
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty