FF favourites to retain Cork seat vacated by poll-topper Kelleher

Government candidates have won by-elections on only three occasions in the last 35 years

Colm Burke, Fine Gael senator, chats with Catherine Hegarty while canvassing in the Blarney area of Cork North Central. The November 29 by-election will fill seats left vacant by the European elections Pic: John Allen

On a bitterly cold and wet day in Blarney, Colm Burke is talking about Club Orange. The Fine Gael senator has been knocking on the doors of Cork North Central, seeking votes in the upcoming by-election, for weeks now and is explaining how he secured a promised first preference ...