Election to clash with key budget plans

THE Government has been forced into holding a by-election it doesn’t want in the middle of finalising the most important budget in the history of the state.

Following an emergency Cabinet discussion on the issue last night, Government chief whip John Curran confirmed the writ for the Donegal South-West by-election would be moved in the Dáil today.

The by-election will have to be held within 18 to 25 days of the writ being moved, with Mr Curran saying the vote would take place by the end of November.