A byelection for the vacant Dáil seat in Donegal South West could be held before Christmas, Sinn Féin senator Pearse Doherty said, if he is successful in his judicial review application to the High Court today.
Mr Doherty was speaking outside the Four Courts in Dublin early today with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, before the case which began this afternoon.
The Government was wasting taxpayers' money defending the case, Mr Doherty said. "We're hopeful that with a positive outcome from this court case that we will see an election in Donegal South West before Christmas."
The Government was only defending the case was because Fianna Fáil had no hope of winning the seat, he said.
"We wouldn't be here if the Government thought they could win this election. If the Government thought they could secure the seat in Donegal South West we would have had the election a long time ago, but because it doesn't suit them, because the polls are showing that the electorate will punish them, they are trying to suspend democracy and they won't get away with it."
Ms Adams commended Mr Doherty for taking the case and said it was clear that the Government no longer had a mandate.
"The Government have refused to allow citizens in these constituencies their right to an election that's a very, very fundamental right. It's also shameful that the government are contesting this case."
