Senior Minister rules out early Donegal SW bye-election

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has said the bye-elections for  Donegal South West and Dublin South will not be held until at least the ‘back end’ of the year.
The bye-elections are required following the resignation of former Fine Gael TD George Lee and the election of Donegal South West TD Pat The Cope Gallagher to the European Parliament last year.
Pat the Cope Gallagher had indicated a May date for the Donegal SW bye-election however following the resignation form Fine Gael of George Lee speculation had turned to a date later in the year, Minister Hannifan’s comments would confirm that.