The government has named the day for the Longford-Westmeath and Dublin-West by-elections.

Voters in the two constituencies will go to the polls on May 23rd - the same day as the local and European elections.

The seats are vacant following the death of Nicky McFadden in March. While the seat in Dublin-West is vacant after the resignation of Patrick Nulty.

Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe says it is right to hold these by-elections now.