THE GOVERNMENT rejected a renewed attempt by Sinn Féin to have the writ moved for the Donegal South West byelection. The vacancy was caused by the election of Pat “the Cope’’ Gallagher to the European Parliament.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, who represents the constituency, accused the party of breaking a long-standing convention by introducing a motion to have the writ moved. “The party in which the vacancy arose always used to be given the opportunity to move the writ.’’

Ms Coughlan said the House was aware that many factors must be weighed up when deciding when a byelection should be held to fill a vacated seat. “We need to ensure that we have the best outcome, for example.’’

On that basis, said Ms Coughlan, she wished to confirm that the Government did not believe the time was right to move the writ.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the byelection should be called now so that the people of Donegal South West could have full representation in the Dáil, and that the new TD could take his or her place in the chamber on the resumption of the Dáil in the autumn. “The democratic representation of the people of Donegal South West must be restored to its full quota at the earliest opportunity.’’

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he supported the Sinn Féin motion. “It is a democratic position that needs to be filled.’’

Labour’s environment spokesman Ciaran Lynch said that while his party supported the motion, its timing needed to be taken into account.

“If it were passed today the byelection would be held between July 23rd and 30th. Other than August, we cannot think of a worse time to hold a byelection.’’

The Government defeated the Sinn Féin motion by 72 votes to 69.