Details of the Constituency Commission's review of the Dail constituencies are a closely guarded secret prior to being presented to Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue. But with 19 of the 43 constituencies currently outside the acceptable variance of 5% from the average TD-to-population ratio, extensive changes are inevitable.

There is likely to be a significant redrawing of the constituencies in the capital and the Leinster commuter belt, while there is also intense speculation that Kerry will become one five-seater constituency, as its population no longer justifies two three-seat constituencies.

In Dublin, one of the two five-seat constituencies of Dublin South or Dun Laoghaire is set to lose a seat. Dublin North and Dublin West . . . both under-represented . . . are each likely to gain a seat. There is also speculation Dublin North Central and Dublin North East could be merged into a five-seater.

Louth is also likely to become a five-seater, and three-seat Kildare South a four-seater. In Connaught-Ulster . . . where population growth has been considerably below the eastern sea-board . . . there is also likely to be extensive juggling involving Roscommon-South Leitrim, SligoNorth Leitrim, Galway East, Cavan-Monaghan and possibly even the two Donegal constituencies.

The most galling aspect for TDs is they could still face a second change . . . following the Census of 2011 . . . in the lifetime of the current Dail.