Fianna Fáil and Green Party coalition talks break down
Coalition talks between the Greens and Fianna Fáil have broken down without resolution.
The Green Party is to hold a press conference in the next hour.
The talks had been ongoing for the last six days.
Pressure is now on Fianna Fáil to look toward the Labour Party or the Independents with a view to forming a government next Thursday.
Speaking afterwards, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said: "On behalf of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, I wish to announce that negotiations on the formation of a government with Fianna Fáil have now concluded without agreement.
"At the beginning of this process we set the objective of forming a stable government and securing a sustainable future for this country. While many areas of common ground were identified, it was not possible at this time to construct a programme for government that met with the minimum policy objectives of both parties.
"The decision to end the talks was taken after a series of cordial and constructive meetings between both teams of negotiators. These detailed discussions were entered into with good faith and every avenue was explored in order to come up with a workable document.
"However, despite clear areas of agreement, it was not possible to identify common ground on a number of core policy issues of importance to the Party.
"These areas include measures to tackle climate change - including forward-thinking transport and congestion solutions - funding to bring the education system into the 21st century, the transformation of local government - including action to modernise the decision-making and planning processes - and reform of the health care system.
"In each of these areas substantial blockages still remain. Because of this, the party does not believe it could enter government and stand over the policy proposals.
"I would like to thank our team of negotiators and backroom staff for their professionalism and dedication. I would also like to praise our membership and our elected representatives for the continued discipline shown during the past week.
"We remain committed to forming a government and will continue to explore all avenues with this in mind. However the current deal on offer is not sufficient and will not best serve the interests of our country."
