Taoiseach: Donegal SW by-election will happen in 2011

The Taoiseach has said the by-election in the Donegal South West constituency will be held in 2011, but there is no specific date at this time.

Brian Cowen said there were no criteria within the current legislation to hold the by-election within a specific time frame.

The seat has been vacant for more than a year, since Pat the Cope Gallagher was elected to the European Parliament.

Speaking to Ocean FM, Brian Cowen said the by-election would happen in due course.