The formal merger of Labour and Democratic Left will take place on Sunday, January 24th, the leadership of both parties has decided.
The decision was taken at a secret two-day meeting in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, outside Wexford town, last Wednesday and Thursday, when the logistical, administrative and legal implications of the merger were discussed.
The meeting was attended by about 10 members from each party, representing the shared leadership teams and their advisers.
Although the union of the two parties was not due to come into effect until February 1st it was decided to bring the date forward in order to present the new Labour Party to the Dail when it resumes on January 27th.
After the formal union on January 24th it is expected that the new front bench will be announced before the Dail meets the following Wednesday.
The composition of the front bench was not discussed at this week's meeting. It is generally expected, however, that Mr Ruairi Quinn will present a totally reshuffled front bench to the Dail.
Most speculation centres on the nature of the economic portfolio to be awarded to DL's star performer, Mr Pat Rabbitte. Some Labour sources suggest that it would prove divisive if he were to be given the full finance spokesmanship, currently held by Mr Derek McDowell, from the outset.
It has been decided that DL's former assistant government press secretary and current press officer, Mr Tony Heffernan, will become parliamentary director of the Labour Party.
The tactics for the new Dail session and the local and European elections were among the issues discussed at the Wexford meeting.
