A Sinn Fein motion seeking to have the writ moved for the Donegal South West by-election has been defeated on the casting vote of Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk. The vote, which was declared just after twenty past six this evening, was 76 for and 76 against, and as is traditional, the chair went with the government.
The debate was opened by Sinn Fein Deputy Caomhain O’Caolain, followed by Fine Gael Deputy Dinny Mc Ginley, who said that Donegal South West is seriously underrepresented at the moment, doubly so because Tanaiste Mary Coughlan has to spend so much time on national duties………….
However, confirming that the government would be blocking the move, Minister of State John Curran said the governments focus at present is on taking steps to address the economic crisis.
He said the government has no wish to distract from that work, and argued that the county is being well represented………
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