A row is looming over the timing of the Meath and North-Kildare by-elections.
Labour leader Mr Pat Rabbitte today condemed the Government's decision to delay the by-elections for Meath and North Kildare.
At a press conference to publicise Labour's by-election campaigns, Mr Rabbitte said the Government is "afraid of normal democratic contests" and is "choosing its own convenience over the will of the people".
He said if the writs were voted down, the party would propose to the other Opposition parties that they should agree a "comprehensive approach to non-co-operation in the House until the Government agrees to hold these by-elections".
A Government move to block the Fine Gael writ calling for the Meath by-election to be held before St Patrick's Day would lead to renewed claims from that party that Fianna Fáil was running scared of the electorate.
Fianna Fáil has yet to select a candidate in Kildare North and its campaign in Meath was thrown into disarray by the withdrawal of its original candidate, Cllr Tommy Reilly, who was subsequently replaced.
While no Government candidate has won a by-election since 1982, some politicians believe the Coalition wants both polls on the same day to avoid two separate setbacks if they fail to take either of the seats.
The Meath seat was made vacant in November when former taoiseach Mr John Bruton became the EU's special envoy to the United States.
Mr Rabbitte claimed the Government adjourned the Dáil for the nearly five weeks around Easter "so Ministers can travel the globe in advance of St Patrick's day, and then enjoy Cheltenham without having to worry about issues of accountability".
At today's press conference Mr Rabbitte also introduced the two Labour candidates, describing them as "young, committed, and extremely able".
Mr Dominic Hannigan will run for Labour in Meath and Mr Paddy MacNamara will run in North Kildare.