Varadkar tells FG ministers he wants by-elections in November, even though he expects losses

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has signalled to a meeting of his Fine Gael ministers that he would prefer the upcoming by-elections to be held in November, even if his party is unlikely to win any of them.

The loss of all four by-elections by Fine Gael would rob them of any momentum going into a general election campaign, which is expected within the next 12 months.