Ceann Comhairle casts deciding vote in by-election motion

The Government has defeated a move by the Opposition to try and hold the Donegal by-election - but only with the casting vote of the Ceann Comhairle - after two Fianna Fáil backbenchers voted the wrong way.

Sinn Féin tried to move the writ for the Donegal South-West by-election - the seat is vacant as a result of Pat the Cope Gallagher's election to Europe 11 months ago.