McNulty agrees to resign if he wins; voting begins in by-elections

The Fine Gael by-election candidate for the Seanad John McNulty has agreed to resign the seat if he wins it.

A result of the race is expected around lunchtime today.

Meanwhile, voting is just underway in two Dáil by-election's in Dublin South West and Roscommon South Leitrim.

Polling in the Seanad by-election closes at 11am this morning and some believe John McNulty is in with a chance of winning.

He withdrew from the race over the State Boards controversy, but his name was already on the ballot paper and some had even returned their votes.

The Donegal man has now agreed, following meetings with party officials, that should he be declared the winner when the result is announced this afternoon, he will resign the seat.

That will mean a fresh contest and a new Fine Gael candidate would win because of the Government numbers and the Coalition would be able to restore its majority in the upper house.

However, the independent candidate in the current race, Gerard Craughwell, could still emerge voctorious today.

Meanwhile, voting is now underway to fill the two Dáil seats from the election of Brian Hayes and Luke Ming Flanagan to the European Parliament.

Voters have until 10pm tonight to cast their ballots in Dublin South West and Roscommon South Leitrim.