FF and FG continue efforts to form new coalition govt
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's rival efforts to cobble together a coalition government are expected to step up a gear today.
A number of meetings are expected to take place at Leinster House to assess what the other parties and independent TDs would be looking for in return for their support.
Fianna Fáil remains the most likely party to lead the next government, but Fine Gael has still not given up on the possibility of joining forces with Labour, the Greens, the PDs and the all the independents.
The party appears to have been trying to discourage potential partners from entering government with Fianna Fáil as a result of the Taoiseach's Mahon Tribunal problems.
However, PD spokesman Colm O'Gorman poured cold water on the idea of a coalition with Fine Gael yesterday, saying the only way the party could advance its policies was "probably" with Fianna Fáil.
The PDs are meeting in Dublin today to assess their disastrous election result, while Labour's parliamentary party is also meeting to assess its options for the way forward.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin is planning to publish its list of demands from any of the bigger parties that wish to negotiate a coalition deal.
