Sources: Parties moving closer to minority government deal

Wed, 20 Apr, 2016 - 14:51

Government formation talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are proceeding well and may be wrapped up over the next two days, say sources involved in negotiations, writes Juno McEnroe, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent.

The issue of a referendum on keeping Irish Water in public ownership is also forming part of the talks at present, as are proposals to reduce water bills for users through further supplements.

While Fianna Fail are adamant about freezing water charges for a number of years, a decrease or effective cancellation of bills for users could be a compromise between both sides.

Sources involved in the talks expect they are coming close to completion.

A brief document outlining Fianna Fáil facilitating a minority Fine Gael government could now be ready by the weekend.

Fine Gael would then be ready to share that with a number of Independents as Enda Kenny seeks to nail down the support of at least 58 TDs for a vote for Taoiseach.

This is now expected to take place next week.

The talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are formally set to reconvene later today.