SF challenge on Donegal by-election to be heard in October

Sinn Féin's legal challenge to the Government's refusal to move the writ for a by-election in Donegal South West will be heard in October.

Senator Pearse Doherty's challenge arises out of the vacancy created by the election of Pat the Cope Gallagher to the European Parliament in June last year.

The High Court heard the State had no objection to an early date of October 18 being set for the hearing which may run into two days.

Speaking at the High Court today, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said: "The refusal of the Government to grant the people of Donegal South West, Dublin South and Waterford their democratic rights is a serious abuse of power.

"They have put democracy on hold in these three constituencies to suit their own narrow party political agenda."