Jobs issue to decide South Tipp by-election

Jobs and health are the two issues dominating the South Tipperary by-election as candidates engage in final canvassing ahead of Saturday's vote.

The region is regarded as an unemployment blackspot, with the jobless rate running at 12%.

Independent candidate Phil Prendergast has called for the IDA to invest in two factories that remain closed.

Fine Gael's Tom Hayes wants special incentives for the area to encourage more private sector money into the region.

Labour's Denis Landy has accused the Government of turning its back on South Tipperary and says more investment is essential.

Michael Maguire of Fianna Fail is promising that more decentralisation of Government departments is on the way and that jobs will follow.