The Labour Party is to move the writ for the Limerick East by-election the week after next and polling is expected to take place before St Patrick's Day.
Senior sources last night confirmed that the Government will not vote down Labour's writ in the Dail and will proceed to hold the Dublin North by-election the same day.
Labour believes that by having the election sooner rather than later it will maximise its chances of regaining the Dublin North seat. It argues that at this point its candidate, Senator Sean Ryan, has the best chance of success.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is understood to take the view that a later polling date would benefit Fianna Fail and enable its candidate, Mr Michael Kennedy, to enhance his profile. The benefits of the Budget's tax concessions, due to come on stream on April 6th, would also be likely to assist the Government candidates.
The Limerick East by-election has been caused by the death of Mr Jim Kemmy and, as he was a Labour deputy, the party is entitled to move the writ. The vacancy in Dublin North was created by the resignation of Mr Ray Burke.