Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

He is not required to do a microscopic reading of the judgment and give us a learned opinion. What is being asked of the Taoiseach is a political question. The High Court has found there is an unreasonable delay in holding the by-election. The Taoiseach says it is a matter for the Dáil. An all-party committee of the Dáil decided some time ago that by-elections should be held within six months. The only reason these by-elections have not been held is that the present Government is using a flaky majority based on a reduced number of Members to stop the holding of the by-elections so it can stay in office. This is a political question.

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