Bookies favour incumbents in Cork seats, with some possible surprises

THE four incumbent TDs in Cork South Central are likely to keep their seats in the upcoming general election, according to the latest odds from Paddy Power.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has the best chance of any politician in Cork to be elected at 1/100. Michael McGrath is the second most likely at 1/50.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire also expected to keep their seats in Cork South Central, however Green Party Cllr Lorna Bogue could mount a challenge as could Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer.

In Cork North Central Sinn Féin Cllr Thomas Gould is favourite at 1/20, while Fine Gael Senator Colm Burke and Fianna Fáil incumbent Pádraig O’Sullivan are both offered at 1/7, and Fianna Fáil Cllr Tony Fitzgerald is at 10/11.

There could be trouble ahead for an incumbent in this constituency, as Solidarity’s Mick Barry has been priced out of the top four at 6/4. Labour Party Cllr John Maher, Independent Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn, and Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran aren’t far behind.

The three seater in Cork North West looks to be a four horse race between the three incumbents and Fine Gael Cllr John Paul O’Shea who is on 10/11. Odds in Cork East are also favouring the four incumbents. Fianna Fáil Councillor James O’Connor is close behind on 4/7.

County Mayor Christopher O’Sullivan looks set to take Jim Daly’s vacated seat for Fianna Fáil. He comes in behind Independent Michael Collins in the odds, and ahead of Margaret Murphy O’Mahony.