By-elections to be held early next year

The Government has indicated that voters in Donegal South-West, Dublin South and Waterford will go to the polls early next year.

The three-by-elections are to fill the seats vacated by Pat the Cope Gallagher, George Lee and Martin Cullen.

Chief Whip John Curran said the Government will move the writs for the votes in the first quarter of 2011.

And he said holding them before the Budget is passed would not be right.