Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny today introduced his "hard-working young candidates" selected to fight by-elections in Kildare North and Meath next month.
Mr Shane McEntee will run in Meath and Mr Darren Scully in Kildare North.
Speaking at the start of the party's campaign in Dublin today, Mr Kenny said he was pleased the election will take place on March 11th.
"I am pleased that our efforts, in conjunction with the Labour Party, have ensured that the electorates of Meath and Kildare North will have their Oireachtas representation brought back to 2002 levels within a month," Mr Kenny said.
The Fine Gael leader said he expected a strong challenge in the Meath by-election considering Fianna Fáil holds three out the four seats. However, he added that he "didn't detect any wish to hand them a fourth seat".
Mr Kenny described both men as "hardworking young candidates with fresh ideas committed to working for their constituencies".