Bumper election planned as four ballots may run at once

VOTERS are set for a second bumper election day in two years with the Government signalling its desire to run at least four separate ballots together later this year.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin said there were two by-elections, a mayoral vote in Dublin and two referenda on the agenda.

And, despite the Government getting pummelled from all sides during the European, local and by-election deciders last year, she said it made sense to organise another all-in-one runoff.