Fine Gael in Co Sligo has had its share of turmoil, with grassroots dissatisfaction over some local election candidates by-passing the convention selection procedure.
Among these is the Ballymote-based TD, Mr John Perry, who is not a sitting councillor. He has decided to contest the election in the urban Sligo-Strandhill area, and some see the move as an attempt to build up his personal vote for future Dail elections, as well as the stated aim of increasing Fine Gael's council presence.
Another surprise Fine Gael candidate who caused some stir is Mr Barnes Murphy, a former Garda inspector who recently retired.
If a GAA background is a credential for a political future, then Mr Murphy is an ideal candidate. He coached, trained and captained the Sligo team that won the Connacht Championship in 1975 and an All-Star Award in 1974.
Mr Murphy is contesting both the council and corporation elections, and might have been seen as potential Dail material by those in Fine Gael headquarters.
However, the local Fine Gael branch chairman in the Drumcliffe area where Mr Murphy is running has issued a statement criticising him for not going through the normal selection procedure. Another Fine Gael candidate in the area, Ms Ita Fox, at one point withdrew from the race but later re-entered.
Fianna Fail has lost Mr Gerry Healy, seen as a potential Dail candidate. A businessman who ran in the 1992 general election, he is not running for the council again due to pressure of business.
Six of the 25 county councillors are retiring, three from Fianna Fail, two from Fine Gael and one Independent. The council is totally dominated by the two large blocs of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, with just one Labour member, Mr Declan Bree, and two Independents. The Progressive Democrats are putting up two candidates in the council elections and one in each of the three Sligo Corporation wards.
Sinn Fein caused a surprise last time with two councillors voted on to the 12-member corporation. Since then Mr Vincent Murray has been expelled from the party, but Mr Sean MacManus, who is contesting the European and council elections, is running for the corporation again, along with his son and a third Sinn Fein candidate.