June election to replace George being touted

VOTERS could elect a replacement for George Lee as soon as June.

The gap is expected to be far shorter than the 11-month hiatus that followed the death of ex-minister Seamus Brennan and the landslide election of Mr Lee.

Fears over the Government’s record unpopularity meant Fianna Fáil put off the election for as long as it could last time. However, the electoral timetable this year could force their hand.