Fine Gael has yet to decide on the timing of the Meath by-election, sparked by the departure of former Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton to a Washington diplomatic job. Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent, reports.
Yesterday, the FG leader Mr Enda Kenny launched billboard posters to promote the party's candidates in Meath, Mr Shane McEntee and in Kildare North, Mr Darren Scully.
Questioned about when he would move the writ for the Meath by-election, Mr Kenny said: "I don't have an election date in mind." The Government could vote down the writ, though this would cause Fianna Fáil considerable embarrassment in Meath and would be unlikely to happen.
"I have never contemplated that the Government might vote against it. It is a matter for the Government. They have a majority in the House.
"But I wouldn't expect that they would," said Mr Kenny, who will meet with local party officers in Dunshaughlin tonight to discuss the date of the election and the campaign.
Though Fianna Fáil has received a blow following the withdrawal of its chosen candidate, Cllr Tommy Reilly, it is set to produce a new one within days.
Fine Gael, on the other hand, needs time to establish the campaign of Mr McEntee, who runs a pub and restaurant in Nobber in the north of the county, but who is little known in the county at large.
Questioned about Mr McEntee's chances, Mr Kenny pointed out that Fianna Fáil currently holds three of the five seats in the constituency. "Given that percentage, they would be favourites to win. We are going to fight both elections exceptionally hard."
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil headquarters has already had discussions with all of the possible replacements for Cllr Reilly, including the favourite, 26-year-old Meath county councillor, Mr Shane Cassells.
He did not contest the original selection convention in December because he is also based in Navan alongside Cllr Reilly, who won the vote easily.
The other candidates interested are Ms Sharon Keogan from Duleek; Mr James Mangan, Tara; Mr Dominic Moran, Kells and Mr Adrian O'Donnell, Carlanstown.
Cllr Cassells is a nephew of famous Meath footballer, Joe and Labour's unsuccessful Leinster European Parliament candidate, and trade unionist, Mr Peter Cassells.
Expressing confidence last evening that FF can still win the contest, Cllr Cassells said the party's organisation in the county is "the strongest in the country".
"Putting that machine into action is a relatively easy thing to do. FF people are very loyal to the party," he said.
Fianna Fáil has still not chosen a candidate in Kildare North to contest for the vacancy left by former minister for finance, Mr McCreevy, who is now serving on the European Commission.
Though Minister Noel Dempsey has been given the job of Director of Elections in Meath, FF has not yet appointed a director in Kildare North.