By-election announcement due tomorrow

The government will consider the "question of the Longford Westmeath by-election" when it meets tomorrow (Wednesday), Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in Mullingar today.

 Speaking at the national launch of the Local Enterprise Office program, which took place in County Buildings this morning, the Taoiseach paid tribute to Deputy Nicky McFadden whose death in March has brought about the by-election.

 However, despite widespread speculation that Fine Gael are eager to hold the by-election on the same day as the local and European elections, May 23, the Taoiseach was not giving away anything today.

 "The government will consider the question of the Longford Westmeath by-election when it meets tomorrow."

 Regarding reports that Labour are considering not running a candidate in the by-election despite the constituency being seen as a party stronghold, Labour leader, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, who was at the event along with Fine Gael heavyweights Richard Bruton and Phil Hogan, said that a decision hadn't been made yet.

 "When the government considers the question of the Longfod Westmeath by-election and makes a decision as to when it will be held, the Labour party will sit down and discuss its election strategy."

 Meanwhile, Fianna Fail local election candidate Vinny McCormack has expressed an interest in running.

 Despite reports that senior figures in the party were eager for its candidate to come from the Atlone area with Cllr Aengus O'Rourke the favourite, Ballymore native McCormack believes that he is "in the best place geographically to ensure all areas of the constituency are well represented".

 “ I feel it is in the best interest of the party members of Fianna Fáil that I put forward my name, otherwise there would be no contest or options for people to elected the best possible person for the ticket.”