Erne West could be an interesting spectacle after votes are cast on May 18.

Three of those elected in 2019 are not seeking re-election this time around. It means only two of the five councillors elected in 2019 are running again in 2023.

Alex Baird (UUP), Bernice Swift (Independent) and Chris McCaffrey (Sinn Féin) accounted for three out of the top four highest first preference votes in Erne West in 2019, but none of them are on the ballot paper this time around.

Mr. Baird and Mrs. Swift stepped away after longstanding service to the Council, while Mr. McCaffrey announced his decision not to run again amid rumours that not all was well in Sinn Féin in Erne West.

READ MORE ON OTHER FERMANAGH DEAS: Erne North

In fact, it was reported at one stage that Mr. McCaffrey was considering running as an Independent candidate.

Mr. McCaffrey was a well-respected candidate for Sinn Féin, and the party could take a hit if the rumours that there was unhappiness in how the selection for this year’s elections were handled are true.

Another candidate for the party, Áine Morris, withdrew her candidacy shortly after it was announced.

Miss Morris was replaced by Elaine Brough, and alongside another new face, Declan McArdle, they comprise the three-person ticket for Sinn Féin with Councillor Anthony Feely.

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If there is to be some sort of protest vote from Sinn Féin voters, Independent candidate Paul McGoldrick could be the one to benefit.

Replacing Bernice Swift, he will be hoping her presence alongside him canvassing will help him to keep her voters – and possibly sway some more to his side, as he is a new candidate who does not live in the area.

Mr. Baird’s replacement, Mark Ovens, should be able to rely on a strong voter base which saw Mr. Baird top the poll in 2019 with 1,333 first preference votes.

READ MORE ON OTHER FERMANAGH DEAS: Erne East

The SDLP’s Adam Gannon had a nervy time in 2019 relying on transfers from the DUP to see him take the final seat in front of Sinn Féin’s Fionnuala Leonard.

He also did well in transfers from Independent candidate Trevor Armstrong. He could pick up these voters as Mr. Armstrong is not running, and Alliance voters are likely to have him high up their list.

Aaron Elliott of the DUP is another new face in the DEA who will be looking to make an impact, but with the party having polled 786 fewer first preference votes than their rival party, the UUP, in 2019, it would be a dramatic change of fortune to see him elected.

Gerard McCusker of Alliance is also a first-time candidate, and it is highly unlikely there will be many inroads made here by the party.