One thing we know for sure this year is that it is an election year. The slight possibility of the Westminster election being held in 2025 was killed off by Rishi Sunak just before Christmas.

I know we think that Northern Ireland will play its traditional minor role in what comes next, but our local campaign is shaping up to be a rather interesting and potentially consequential one. The mix of boundary changes, potential pacts and political turbulence makes many of our key seats competitive races.

There are no less than seven key seats that will keep pundits busy during the campaign. All of the parties go into this election with something to prove

There are no less than seven key seats that will keep pundits busy during the campaign. All of the parties go into this election with something to prove.

Sinn Féin will be aiming to improve on its poor showing in 2019 with increased margins in places such as South Down, Fermanagh/South Tyrone and North Belfast. Boundary changes will help in Fermanagh/South Tyrone and North Belfast and if the current polls are right, the party enjoys front-runner status in all three seats.

Westminster election contest shaping up nicely – David........

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