Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said jobs will be the big issue in the local elections.
Mr Gilmore was speaking at the publication of the party's local election manifesto, which includes proposals for job creation by local authorities.
Mr Gilmore also said the two bye-elections on 5 June will be a contest between his party and Fine Gael over which can offer an alternative to the current Government.
He is confident Labour can win both Dublin South and Dublin Central.
Mr Gilmore said the Government, with the support of Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, had mortgaged the future of the country.
