Fine Gael to publish potential Government talks deals with Independents
Meetings of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Parties are underway to hear about the deal on Government formation.
Meanwhile talks with Independents will continue this evening, but many believe it could now be next week before Enda Kenny is re-elected Taoiseach.
Negotiating teams from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil met again this afternoon to finalise the proposed agreement between the two parties.
A document outlining the arrangement is now being revealed to TDs and Senators from both parties.
Meanwhile, talks with Independent TDs are continuing with justice, education, health and agriculture all on the agenda.
It has emerged that Fine Gael has agreed to publish, in full, all deals with Independents in Government negotiations.
Fianna Fáil pressed for the move after Enda Kenny committed to it in a pre-election promise.
Talks with Independents are continuing, with some saying that a deal in time for the Dáil to elect a Taoiseach this week is "unlikely".
Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath has some Independents are finding it difficult to negotiate on some issues.
“It’s very difficult, I personally would be able to do it in a couple of days,” said McGrath.
“But, there are so many people involved in it and they all have their own little blockages. Out of respect to them we don’t want to be rushed as well.
“A lot of my colleagues seem to have blockages on the issues they’re fighting for. I’m only in a situation where I need ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”
Dublin Rathdown TD Shane Ross has said it is unlikely the Dáil will vote on electing Enda Kenny as Taoiseach this week.
The Independent Alliance are back in talks at Government Buildings - with agriculture, health, justice and education issues on the agenda. The group of rural TDs is also meeting Fine Gael's negotiating team.
Shane Ross said: "It's going to take longer, because there are real problems about patronage, cronyism and appointments. We're working as fast as possible, but it will take time."
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will hold separate parliamentary party meetings this evening to discuss a minority government deal.
Micheál Martin's party has agreed not to vote down the Enda Kenny-led administration for at least three budgets.
Talks between Fine Gael and the various groups of Independents will also resume today, but most now think it unlikely that a new Taoiseach will be elected by Thursday.
Independents outside the talks will catch sight of the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael agreement for the first time later.
One of those, deputy Katherine Zappone, said: "No one has seen it. My understanding is they are still finishing it.
"It will be brought to the two parliamentary parties (Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil) and it will also be shown to any Independents who are interested in and hoping to sign up at around the same time."
Divisions over the health crisis, political reform, rail links, State appointments, and agriculture still threaten to derail talks between the Independent Alliance and Fine Gael about forming a Government.
Talks ended last night without agreement with a “number of roadblocks” remaining to be resolved.
