The European elections will be held on Friday 23 May, and we will soon know most of the main contenders for the 11 seats in the three constituencies. Most interest surrounds the Ireland South line-up. Fine Gael holds its convention on 16 February in Clonmel.

Sean Kelly is sure to run – indeed, he is running all over the region currently, from the Wexford coast to the Cliffs of Moher.

Former IFA president John Bryan is still likely to be on the ticket, but the picture is less clear than a couple of weeks ago.

With only four seats, a two-seat strategy seems sensible. However, not standing a Cork candidate carries risks, and Fine Gael strategists are pushing for a three seat ticket. Deirdre Clune is favoured, with her constituency colleagues Minister Simon Coveney and Jerry Buttimer her most enthusiastic supporters. Only a cynic would claim that has anything to do with clearing the pitch for themselves at the next general election.