Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

Given that Fianna Fáil does not have the confidence to hold its annual Ard-Fheis, it would be surprising if it agreed to hold a by-election in any constituency. This is what Members are debating this evening. The issue of a motion to contest the by-election in County Donegal ultimately is a motion of confidence by the present Government. Its determination not to allow this by-election to proceed is a reflection of its confidence in Government, and not simply its confidence in its ability to hold or to retain a seat in that county.

The Labour Party supports, welcomes and will back the Fine Gael motion this evening.

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