Negotiations involving Fianna Fáil and the Green Party to form a new coalition government were tonight called off.
After five days of intensive talks the parties were unable to nail down a formula which would see them share power for the first time.
But a spokesman for the Green Party said they intended to resume them again in the morning.
Dan Boyle of the Green Party in down beat mood as he left government buildings after talks between Fianna Fail and the Green Party did not yield agreement on a coalition deal.