The Government is being accused of clinging to power and running scared, after voting down a bid to hold the Waterford by-election.

The seat has become vacant after the resignation of former Minister Martin Cullen on health grounds earlier this year.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny says this contest – as well as others in Dublin South and Donegal South West – should be held but the Government knows they will lose them all.

“This Government exhibits political cowardice, because it will not go before the people in this or any other constituency” he said.

“It clings to power by virtue of the fact that there are now three vacancies unfilled, uncontested – simply because the numbers are in the Dail from Fianna Fail and the Greens to vote down a writ such as this” he added.