In Kerry, two constituencies – Kerry South and Kerry Northwest Limerick – have merged to form one five-seater encompassing the entire county. There are five outgoing TDs in the area, creating an interesting scenario in the Kingdom.

The farming issues

Farming demographics are varied in Kerry, from larger dairy enterprises to small sheep farmers on marginal land in the county’s mountainous areas, plus a number of pig farmers. Issues range from milk price and suckler payments to commonage, but all come back to income.

The rural issues

Kerry has a large rural population, with poor infrastructure and amenities in parts. Concerns include roads, healthcare isolation and lack of decent broadband.

Tourism has saved the county during tough times. However, smaller towns and villages have suffered badly due to emigration and a lack of jobs.

Who will get elected?

In the north of the county, it is expected that veteran Fine Gael TD Jimmy Deenihan of Listowel will retain his seat, as well as his colleague Brendan Griffin from Dingle.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris, who hails from Ardfert, is the party’s spokesperson for agriculture, and is seen to speak out for those farming in marginal areas. Meanwhile, independent TD Micheal Healy-Rae has been forced to look outside of the south for votes and it is very likely that he will keep his seat. His bother Danny Healy-Rae has joined the race too, hoping to make gains in Killarney.

That leaves one place left, which Fianna Fáil hopes to win back after losing its presence in the county in 2011. The party’s candidates are John Brassil from Ballyheigue in north Kerry, who has served on Kerry County Council since 1999, and Norma Moriarty, a teacher from Kenmare and elected in the last local elections.

Sitting independent TD Tom Fleming from Killarney, a former member of Fianna Fáil and member of the technical group, threatened to capture the party’s vote but he has recently withdrawn from the race.

In an interesting developing, Michael's brother Danny Healy-Rae launched his campaign at the last minute. The councillor, who famously called for more lenient drink driving laws, is hoping to capitalise on the Killarney vote after Fleming's departure, but will he get enough transfers from his brother take bring him over the line?

It looks like Labour’s Arthur Spring, who was elected in 2011, will lose his seat, despite being a member of one of Kerry’s biggest political dynasties.

Ultimately, in a large county such as Kerry, many will be basing their number one choice on proximity of their TD and promises on local issues rather than party politics.

Paddy Power odds

Michael Healy-Rae (Ind) 1/80

Arthur Spring (Labour) 6/4

Michael O'Gorman (Ind) 66/1

Danny Healy-Rae (Ind) 1/8

Norma Moriarty (Fianna Fail) 16/1

Mary Fitzgibbon (Ind) 80/1

Jimmy Deenihan (Fine Gael) 1/8

Kevin Murphy (Ind) 66/1

Donal Corcoran (Renua) 80/1

Brendan Griffin (Fine Gael) 1/4

Grace O'Donnell (Fine Gael) 66/1