Signs of change in Laois in big Portarlington Graiguecullen district

Evidence is emerging in Laois of changes to the representation on Laois County Council in the Portarlington Graigue Municipal District.

Leading the way so far by a big margin in Portarlington is Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mullins. However, Fianna Fáil's Joey Kennedy is showing respectably in the town.

If Kennedy goes well enough in the Laois Offaly broader town it could have knock-on consequences for PJ Kelly who is fighting to retain a seat for Fine Gael but is not based in an urban area.

A former Fine Gael councillor turned independent Aisling Moran has yet to poll well in her bid to be returned. The same can't be said for Cllr Paschal McEvoy of Fianna Fáil who is scoring impressively in his base area of Stradbally and Timahoe.

Fine Gael's Vivienne Phelan is making an impact in the area and is looking like she could challenge while Independent Ireland Patsy Fennell is turning out a respectable vote.

At the other end of the constituency outgoing councillors Ben Brennan and Padraig Fleming are battling to retain seats in a crowded area. Sinn Féin's Aaaron Kelly has enough votes so far to be on the fringes of mounting a challenge while Eoghan Barry hasn't shown signs yet there will be enough votes for Labour to take a seat.