Local Deputy admits concern over Fine Gaels ability to retain Phil Hogan seat in Carlow-Kilkenny

A local Fine Gael TD says he would be concerned about the parties ability to hold onto the third seat in Carlow and Kilkenny in the upcoming by-election.

Government Ministers are meeting today and its expected they will decide a date for the same sex marriage referendum to coincide with the vote to fill the seat left vacant by Phil Hogan.

So far the Green party are the only ones to have declared a candidate with Malcolm Noonan set to contest for the seat.

Fine Gael have not held their convention yet but Deputy John Paul Phelan says he would be worried about their chances of retaining the seat.