The Labour leader Ruairi Quinn, is planning to move the writ for the Limerick East by-election in the Dail next Tuesday. Mr Ruairi Quinn is expected to meet the Ceann Comhairle today to seek Dail time next Tuesday for the motion.
Mr Quinn, as party leader, is entitled to move the writ as the vacancy was created by the death of a colleague, Mr Jim Kemmy.
The decision to move the writ is not expected to be opposed by the Government and the elections in both Limerick East and Dublin North are now expected be held prior to St Patrick's Day, probably on Friday, March 13th.
Labour is anxious to press ahead with the by-elections in the hope that the high profile of its Dublin North candidate, Senator Sean Ryan, will work to its advantage.
Government sources have indicated that they are willing to move the writ for the Dublin seat as soon as Labour proceeds to seek a by-election in Limerick.
A Fianna Fail spokesman last night said the party was "looking forward to bringing two more deputies into the parliamentary party before St Patrick's Day".
However, Labour is tipped to be in a strong position to take Dublin North at this point. All the parties have been on a strong election footing in both constituencies since Christmas.
The Dublin North by-election is to fill the vacancy that arose from the resignation of Mr Ray Burke both as Minister and TD.