Updated 10.50

Expectation is growing that a by-election to fill Patrick Nulty's seat won't be held until October.

The Independent TD for Dublin West resigned on Saturday after he admitted sending messages to a 17-year-old girl over Facebook, while under the influence of alcohol.

There had been reports that voters in the constituency would go to the polls to replace him on May 23rd, to coincide with the Local and European elections that are also being held on that day.

However Political Analyst Odran Flynn told Newstalk's Breakfast he thinks it is more likely there will be a double by-election held over the October Bank Holiday weekend:

Meanwhile it is claimed that more young people have come forward alleging they were contacted by former TD.

It is understood gardaí are launching an investigation into the matter, though it is not yet clear if anything illegal has taken place.

The Sunday World's Alan Sherry, who broke the story, told Newstalk's Breakfast that since the article was published more alleged victims have come forward:

This morning, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said Patrick Nulty was right to resign his Dáil seat: