Labour executive backs pact with FG

The National Executive Committee of the Labour Party has given its backing to party leader Pat Rabbitte's plans to enter an electoral pact with Fine Gael.

The party's ruling body decided in favour of a motion on the subject this afternoon, carrying it by 19 votes to 8.

The motion will now go before Labour's annual conference in Tralee at the end of May.

Mr Rabbitte said he was “very encouraged" at the overwhelming acceptance of the motion on electoral strategy.

“It has always been a difficult question within the Labour Party. There are a number of different strands of view on it and they were all represented today, and I think 19-8 is a very convincing result," said Deputy Rabbitte.

He also said he was confident that the motion would be approved at the annual conference.

“I think the decision I got from the National Executive Committee today is a portent of things to come, and that the annual conference will muster in support of my position in endeavouring to present the Irish people with a credible alternative government come the time of the next election.”