FF and FG to sign pact to control councils

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are on the verge of signing a co-operation pact to give the parties joint control of three major local authorities — Cork Co Council, Kerry Co Council and the new Limerick City and County Council.

It is expected a deal will be signed off in Cork today, 24 hours ahead of the new council’s first meeting in County Hall. And in Kerry, it is believed the parties were “very close” to an agreement as the new council assembles, also tomorrow, in Tralee.

In Limerick, the office of the new mayor will not carry any of the trappings of the past. But the parties, with 25 of the 40 seats between them, will lead to Fianna Fáil chairing the council for three years and Fine Gael, two years.