Fine Gael and Labour have formally announced a voting pact for the forthcoming by-elections in Kildare North and Meath.
It follows a meeting this afternoon between Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte.
The leaders said they believed it was necessary that the people of both constituencies should have a strong sense of a real alternative to the present Government and what they called its failed policies.
In a statement they said: 'We believe that close co-operation between us is the best way to offer that alternative. For that reason we are announcing today that we are asking everyone who is willing to support our candidates with a number one vote, and to give the second preference to the candidate of the other party.'
The two by-elections are due to be held on 11 March.
