May 23 confirmed as date of Longford/Westmeath by-election

The Government has today (Thursday) confirmed that the by-election for the Dáil seat made vacant by the death of Athlone TD Nicky McFadden will take place on Friday, May 23. 

The announcement means the electorate in Longford/Westmeath will be asked to select a new TD on the same day they will be voting in the local and European elections.    

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said having the Longford/Westmeath and Dublin West by-elections on May 23 would provide 'the earliest possible opportunity for the people of both constituencies to have their full representation in the Dáil.'    

The candidates from the Athlone area who have confirmed their intention to contest the seat include the late Deputy McFadden's sister, Cllr Gabrielle McFadden (FG), Cllr Aengus O'Rourke (FF), Cllr Paul Hogan (SF), Donal Jackson (Ind) and John McNamara (Ind).