A legal attempt by Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty to force the calling of the Donegal South West by-election is under way before the President of the High Court.
Counsel for Mr Doherty has claimed there has never been a delay of such length in filling a Dáil vacancy, and leaving people unrepresented.
The Court heard that Senator Doherty's proposition was a ‘very simple one’ and that he wished the Court to find an unreasonable delay had occurred and that it undermined democratic principles.
High Court President Nicholas Kearns heard the seat had been empty since June 2009 after Pat The Cope Gallagher took his seat in the European Parliament.
The Donegal South West seat has been vacant for the past 16 months.
Elections for empty seats in Dublin South and Waterford have also yet to be held.
Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald has rejected the Government's stated reasons for not holding the by-elections.
The hearing is continuing.
