The Progressive Democrats have entered the race to secure the seat of Mr Charlie McCreevy in North Kildare with the nomination of Senator Kate Walsh to contest the by-election.
The party is also considering whether to contest the Meath by-election, although this is subject to a decision of its national executive.
The PD parliamentary party has endorsed the nomination of Ms Walsh, who was an unsuccessful candidate in the 2002 general election. A community activist for 30 years, she was mayor of Celbridge for 20 years.
While polling in the by-elections will not take place until the new year, the nomination of Ms Walsh is a clear attempt to establish her in the field before rival parties select their candidates.
None of the other parties has made nominations, although the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, expressed confidence this week that his party could take the seat.
Mr Rabbitte said this view was based on the fact that the party had the strongest opposition vote in the local elections.
Ms Walsh secured 12 per cent of the vote in the 2002 election. While this would not take the seat in a by-election, her transfers could have significant bearing on the outcome. Some 65 per cent of her transfers went to Fine Gael and Labour last time.
For Fianna Fáil, the likely candidates include Cllr Paul Kelly, who came within 135 votes of taking the third seat from Mr Bernard Durkan TD, of Fine Gael.
The Labour councillor, Mr Paddy McNamara, is seen by some to be the favourite to run for the party. Possible FG candidates include Cllr Katie Ridge and Cllr Thomas Neville.
