Kerry North and South are over-represented to an "unacceptable" degree in the Dáil, but despite this the Constituency Commission did not follow some predictions that both would be abolished and replaced by a five-seater.
The transfer of significant tracts of West Limerick into Kerry North will upset the traditional balance in Kerry North, though the likelihood is that the TDs elected in the newly formed Kerry North West Limerick constituency will be Kerry-based.
The electoral areas moving into Kerry North are Fleanmore, Glin, Kilfergus, Kilmoylan, Abbeyfeale, Ardagh, Caher, Dromtrasna, Garryduff, Glenagower, Glengort, Glensharrold, Monagay, Mountcollins, Port, Rathronan and Rooskagh. Traditionally, West Limerick was a strongly republican area, so Sinn Féin will, no doubt, be happy that the inclusion of the new territory will copper-fasten the hold of Martin Ferris or his successor on a place in Kerry North.
Despite the republican sentiments of some in the area, Sinn Féin has, so far, failed to capture much of a vote in the area, as shown by the poor performance of the Broadford-based Sinn Féin candidate, Coireall Mac Curtain in successive local elections.
More than 5,000 people living in and around Castleisland, Kilfelim and Cordal, and Deelis, Kilgobban, Knockglass and Baurtregaum on the Dingle peninsula will now be part of Kerry South, rather than North.
