By-elections a dry-run for 2007 election

THE crucial double by-election next spring, prompted by John Bruton and Charlie McCreevy taking up EU jobs, will be used by the political parties to position candidates for the 2007 general election.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are both hoping to retain their seats with some high- profile candidates but are also going to use the opportunity to strategically place election contenders in the expanding Meath and Kildare North constituencies.

Coincidentally, the commuter belt constituencies are the only two areas in the country getting extra TDs in 2007, when Kildare North will become a four seater and Meath East and Meath West will split into two three-seaters.