Vote deal to be agreed between FG and Labour

Fine Gael and the Labour party are set to agree a formal voting deal for the upcoming by-elections.

Each party is to ask voters to give second preference to the other, in an effort to defeat Government candidates.

By-elections will take place in Kildare North and Meath, as Charlie McCreevy and John Bruton have taken up EU jobs.

The agreement between the two opposition parties is considered to be a test run for a similar deal in the next general elections.