THE Dail by elections to fill the vacancies caused by the deaths of Brian Lenihan and Neil Blaney will take place on April 2nd.
The writ for the Donegal North East by election was moved in the Dail yesterday by the Government Chief Whip, Mr Jim Higgins. That for the Dublin West by election was moved by Mr Lenihan's sister, the Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke.
At least to candidates will contest the by election in Dublin West, with five expected to run in Donegal North East.
The candidates for Dublin West known of so far are: Mr Brian Lenihan jnr (Fianna Fail); Mr Tom Morrissey (Fine Gael); Mr Michael O'Donovan (Labour); Ms Sheila Terry (PD); Mr Tombs MacGiolla (Workers' Party); Mr Joe Higgins (Militant Labour); Mr Paul Gogarty (Green Party); Dr Gerard Casey (Christian Solidarity Party); and Mr Sean Lyons and Mr John O'Halloran, both independent.
Donegal North East is to be contested by Ms Celia Keaveney (Fianna Fail); Mr Harry Blaney (Independent Fianna Fail); Senator Sean Maloney (Labour); Mr Pat Doherty (Sinn Fein); and a Fine Gael candidate to be decided next Sunday.
Among the contenders at next Sunday's Fine Gael convention is a member of the Donegal All Ireland winning team of two years ago, Mr Donal Reid. Also believed to be seeking nomination are a Buncrana solicitor, Mr P.A. Dorrian, Mr Bernard McGuinness and a Buncrana UDC member, Mr Jim Sheridan.
Democratic Left Will not contest Donegal North East, and its members will meet within a few days to decide whether to contest Dublin West.
Nominations for both by elections close on March 23rd.