04/11/2010
Sinn Fein Wins Donegal Election Case
A challenge by a Sinn Fein senator, Pearse Doherty has led to the High Court in Dublin ruling that the Irish Government has "unreasonably delayed" holding a by-election in Donegal.
The decision came about after the seat in Donegal South-West was left vacant since June last year.
The court ruled yesterday that the delay was "unprecedented" and it amounted to a breach of Senator Doherty's constitutional rights.
Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said it was the longest delay in the history of the Irish State and represented a significant proportion of the five-year parliamentary term.
He said the relevant legislation did not set out the time period within which an election should be called but added that he was satisfied it should be interpreted as requiring it to be called within a reasonable time.
However, Sinn Fein's is to introduce a writ in the Dáil to have the election held with Senator Doherty calling on the Taoiseach to call an election right away, noting: "The court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government."
The vacant Donegal South-East seat is one of four vacancies in the Dáil - but any of these being filled could spell the end of office for the ruling coalition of Fianna Fail and the Greens.
They have a very small parliamentary majority with 82 members supporting the Government and 79 in opposition.
As a further reminder that something must be done quickly, coalition partner, the Green Party has also now called for the Donegal South-West bye-election to be held as soon as possible.
Green TDs and Senators met after the ruling and Party Chairman Dan Boyle said that the Donegal bye-election writ should now be moved 'immediately', with the other three outstanding contests being held in the spring.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The decision came about after the seat in Donegal South-West was left vacant since June last year.
The court ruled yesterday that the delay was "unprecedented" and it amounted to a breach of Senator Doherty's constitutional rights.
Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said it was the longest delay in the history of the Irish State and represented a significant proportion of the five-year parliamentary term.
He said the relevant legislation did not set out the time period within which an election should be called but added that he was satisfied it should be interpreted as requiring it to be called within a reasonable time.
However, Sinn Fein's is to introduce a writ in the Dáil to have the election held with Senator Doherty calling on the Taoiseach to call an election right away, noting: "The court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government."
The vacant Donegal South-East seat is one of four vacancies in the Dáil - but any of these being filled could spell the end of office for the ruling coalition of Fianna Fail and the Greens.
They have a very small parliamentary majority with 82 members supporting the Government and 79 in opposition.
As a further reminder that something must be done quickly, coalition partner, the Green Party has also now called for the Donegal South-West bye-election to be held as soon as possible.
Green TDs and Senators met after the ruling and Party Chairman Dan Boyle said that the Donegal bye-election writ should now be moved 'immediately', with the other three outstanding contests being held in the spring.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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05 November 2010
Donegal South West To Go To The Polls
A by-election is to be held on the 25th November for the Donegal South West constituency. The necessary 'writ was moved' in the Dáil by the Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan. This came after the High Court ruled earlier this week that the Government was wrong to delay the election in a case taken by Sinn Fein.
Donegal South West To Go To The Polls
A by-election is to be held on the 25th November for the Donegal South West constituency. The necessary 'writ was moved' in the Dáil by the Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan. This came after the High Court ruled earlier this week that the Government was wrong to delay the election in a case taken by Sinn Fein.
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Status Yellow Warning Issued For Snow And Ice In 10 Counties
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Status Yellow Warning Issued For Snow And Ice In 10 Counties
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Orange Warning Issued For High Winds
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Polling stations across Ireland have been opened as 157 seats in the Dáil are contested in 40 constituencies. Over 550 candidates have campaigned for the support of more than 3.22 million eligible voters and a seat in the 32nd Dáil. Polls will be open until 22:00 tonight, and the counting of votes will begin on Saturday.