The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, is expected to move the writ for the Tipperary South by-election this morning. He told party members at their weekly parliamentary party meeting yesterday that this was his intention. Laois/Offaly TD Mr Charles Flanagan has been appointed the party's director of elections.
The date for the by-election, which must be between 17 and 25 days after the writ has been moved, will be decided by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey.