Longford TD says he is facing "an uphill battle on a bad pushbike" to retain seat

A Longford TD has admitted he is facing "an uphill battle on a bad pushbike" to retain his seat.

Fianna Fáil's Joe Flaherty believes he is in a three-way contest for the final two seats with Independent Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Sorca Clarke.

However, he believes he is very much the outsider in that battle.

"Obviously the odds are favouring the two Westmeath candidates but look I'm an eternal optimist so you never know what will pan out, but if I was a betting man I would say I have an uphill battle on a bad pushbike," he said. "At the minute it's the last two seats and the odds are favouring the others but I don't think anyone can call them yet and until we see where the Gerry Warnock and Barry Campion transfers go."

Deputy Flaherty stated he would imagine about 90% of Barry Campion's transfers will go to Sorca Clarke and it is "probably going to be enough".

"I'd be assuming the lions share of that will go to the 'Boxer' and it's a huge help to him," he said. "Gerry Warnock's vote will probably be divided between 'Boxer', myself and Micheál Carrigy so it probably isn't going to be enough to help to close the gap," he said.