Court challenge to by-election delay begins

The High Court has begun hearing a case brought by Sinn Séin Senator Pearse Doherty over the Government's failure to hold the Donegal South West by-election.

His lawyers want the 16-month delay in filling the vacancy left after Pat ''The Cope'' Gallagher’s move to the European Parliament declared unreasonable.

The Government has indicated it intends to hold by-elections for the three seats that are currently vacant by April next year.

Senator Doherty said the delay in his Donegal constituency is the longest in the history of the State and undermines democratic principles.