The SDLP and Fianna Fáil have formally announced a partnership.
The two parties will work together as Fianna Fáil considers running candidates in the North.
A full merger between the two parties had been suggested but will not go ahead for now.
Speaking of the new partnership, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "I hope and believe it marks an important contribution in finally breaking the cycle of vacuum and division which has failed our people over the last two years."