A Carlow Fianna Fáil councillor says he could see his party and the SDLP in Northern Ireland eventually amalgamating.
Arthur McDonald was speaking after the announcement that the two have agreed a partnership.
However, while both parties will be working together north and south of the border, Fianna Fáil won’t be running any candidates in Northern Ireland.
Speaking to KCLR News, Councillor McDonald says he thinks this is only the first step in a longer-term plan.