Coronavirus has kept Leo Varadkar in his role, long after most of us thought he’d be on the opposition benches.  Despite early wins in public support, this government is running out of road, out of steam and out of ideas.

In another time, the history buffs among us wouldn't have stood aghast at this "historic coalition" between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Such is the time we live in, that this new affair passed most of the public by as the inevitable next step, who see little difference between the old enemies in the grand scheme of things.

Leinster House awaited this new much whispered about "policy document" like those poor panda handlers in Edinburgh Zoo (another mis-matched couple, who aren’t fussed on each other but whose agreement to work together is seen as for the greater good for the species).

More weeks pass, more "comprehensive discussions" are held, more press releases are issued, all the while Denis Naughten and his merry band of regional independents are ready and waiting to be called off the bench.

We’re told Leo Varadkar wants a third party; A solid block on which to build this government’s foundation.

Enter Eamon Ryan. It’s well known around Government Buildings that the preferred choice of the two coalition partners is the Green Party.

Here lies the issue: Mr Ryan himself is the first to admit there is a "difference of opinion" within his party on government. Many of his members and some of his 12-strong TDs baulk at the idea of entering government with Fine Gael, and have reacted even more poorly to Mr Ryan’s efforts to cajole them otherwise. This, we’re to believe, is the stability needed for government.

Fine Gael says relying on independent TDs is too risky, that they can’t be corralled like a party bloc, but those who know the Green Party members would be foolish to believe that they represent an easier pushover.

Another issue is that the Greens need a two thirds majority from their party membership in order for any such coalition to go ahead. For a party whose older members remember what it was like to be in government with Fianna Fáil and younger members that see Fine Gael as the antithesis of what they believe in, this will be no easy feat.

The money for furloughed workers from the Department of Social Protection will run out in June, and any new laws, or extra spending will need to be voted on by the Oireachtas, which is still without Taoiseach’’s nominees for the Seanad.

The longer government formation is drawn out, the less likely a government becomes, as the options dwindle and public support continues to fall, the only other option is an almost physically impossible second election.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have chastised those who have appeared cautious about entering government, underlined how quickly the country needs stability, and criticised those who refuse to give up their red lines, while appearing oblivious to the hypocrisy of refusing to speak to Sinn Féin.

All the while, their 72 seats could easily become the majority needed of 80, with the independents already on board, so if the country is in such dire need of a government, who’s really wasting time?