Special law needed to hold Seanad by-election

The Government is set to pass special legislation in the coming weeks in order to hold a by-election to replace former senator Deirdre Clune in the Upper House.

The recently elected MEP’s seat could be filled before politicians in Leinster House take their summer break.

Oireachtas sources say Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who nominates her successor, is expected to pick a Dublin councillor rather than someone from Ms Clune’s home city of Cork.