Longford-Westmeath Election 2024: Who are the candidates and who could make gains? Everything you need to know before voting

This time around the stakes are perhaps even higher following the constituency's expansion to a five seater on foot of a recommendation by the Electoral Commission in August 2023. It's a decision which has so far, seen over dozen candidates throw their name into the ring, a statistic that is likely to grow as polling day draws ever closer.

Fine Gael, as they did in 2020, have set their sights on winning two seats and will be pinning their vote getting ambitions firmly on the shoulders of outgoing Enterprise Minister Peter Burke to lead that charge by ensuring potentially crucial transfers also bring Senator Micheál Carrigy over the line with him.

Their government partners Fianna Fáil have similar designs by ensuring its current two seat complement in the form of Robert Troy and Joe Flaherty remains intact.

Vote management will once again be key here with both candidates expected to focus on their respective Westmeath and Longford strongholds.

Sinn Féin and a string of Independent candidates will ensure affairs are no fait accompli for the two government parties.

Sorca Clarke topped the poll last time out, an achievement which has encouraged party strategists to likewise adopt a two seat strategy this time around.

In terms of non party contenders, watch out for former OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Independent Ireland's Paul Hogan and Longford based candidate Gerry Warnock, all of whom could well put it up to the coalition partners.

Current TDs (four seats): Sorca Clarke (SF), Robert Troy (FF), Joe Flaherty (FF), Peter Burke (FG)

Who could make gains? The addition of a fifth seat will certainly add extra political spice to what is already expected to be one of the country's most hotly contested constituencies.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be more than content to hold onto what they have while Sinn Féin want to at least do likewise and perhaps challenge for a second seat in what would be seen as a major breakthrough for the party.

It's hard to envisage the non-party vote not holding up, however, with at least one of the seats likely to go the way of an Independent candidate.

What issues are under the spotlight? Whether it's in north Longford or at the constituency's most southern tip in Kilbeggan, national concerns are expected to loom large on the hustings when canvassing begins in earnest.

Among those likely to feature are topics surrounding health, housing, homelessness and childcare.

In keeping with recent opinion polls, immigration is also likely to dominate plenty of conversations on the doorsteps, something which is a key issue in Athlone at present ahead of the proposed opening of a new temporary accommodation facility for up to 1,000 male asylum seekers.

Job creation and cost of living anxieties are other items of concern which could be directed right across the constituency.

In Longford, demands for affordable housing, the delivery of the long awaited Mullingar to Longford upgrade and fast-tracking a well documented, but long drawn out regeneration project are other key concerns which are likely to hold sway over the coming weeks.

Candidates: Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin*

Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil*

Joe Flaherty, Fianna Fáil*

Peter Burke, Fine Gael*

Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael

Tanya Cannon, Fine Gael

Fidelma Bennett, Labour

Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Independent

Gerry Warnock, Independent

Paul Hogan, Independent Ireland

Barry Campion, Sinn Féin

Louise Heavin, Independent

Laura O'Neill, Aontú

Carol Okeke, Green Party

Dympna Cunniffe, Fianna Fáil

Dave Smyth, People Before Profit

Donal Jackson, Independent

Further candidates could be added to the ballot

*indicates sitting TD