Hanafin: No by-elections this year

Minister Mary Hanafin has signalled that by-elections in Donegal and Dublin are unlikely to take place before the end of the year.

Fine Gael will tonight select a candidate to contest a seat in Donegal South-West.

The by-election is required after Pat The Cope Gallagher was voted in to the European Parliament last year.

Voters in Dublin South will also have to go to the polls following the resignation of George Lee last week.