By-election confirmed for May 23

The government has confirmed that the Longford Westmeath by-election will take place on May 23 - the same day as the local and European elections.

Already confirmed as running are Athlone candidates Gabrielle McFadden (FG), Aengus O'Rourke (FF), Paul Hogan (SF) and John McNamara (Ind), while Mullingar's Brian Fagan (Ind) is the only candidate from the north of the county so far. Kilbeggan third level student Conal Ennis is set to run for Labour and his candidancy is due to be ratified at the party's convention on Monday night.

The government's decision to host the by-election on the same day as the European and local polls has been criticised by Cllr Denis Leonard, who says that it could confuse people.

Fine Gael are the bookies' favourites to win the by-election brought about by the death of Deputy Nicky McFadden.