Connaughton in 'grave danger' of losing seat

Party analysts now admit that Deputy Paul Connaughton is in grave danger of losing his seat after just one term in the Dail.

They say that he will not secure enough transfers to bridge the gap between him and party colleague Ciaran Cannon.

Connaughton currently trails Cannon by more than 500 first preferences according to the tally figures and party representatives believe that he may not be in a position to bridge this gap.

And to add to his woes, it looks as if Cannon will be the main beneficiary when Lorraine Higgins of Labour is eventually eliminated as both reside in the Athenry area.

It would be a crushing blow to the Connaughton clan as his father Paul senior had previously held that seat.