The Tipperary South by-election caused by the sudden death in March of the Labour TD, Mr Michael Ferris, is to be held before the summer recess, probably on Thursday, June 22nd.
It is understood that the Labour Party will move the writ ail in the next two weeks. Mr Ferris's widow, Ellen, has agreed to be the Labour candidate.
The other two seats in the constituency are held by the ail Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Noel Davern of Fianna Fail, and Ms Therese Ahearn of Fine Gael.
While the Taoiseach's adviser, Dr Martin Mansergh, has expressed an interest in the Fianna Fail candidacy, Mr Daverns's running mate in the last election, Mr Michael Maguire from Lattin East, is seen as a serious contender.
Senator Tom Hayes from Golden will be the favourite to secure the Fine Gael nomination.
Certain to run is the independent county councillor, Mr Seamus Healy of Clonmel.