Enda Kenny: New political reality is difficult for all parties, including my own
Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the complex election result thrown up by the people has made forming a Government very difficult, writes
He added politicians of all parties must be mindful of their responsibility to the public.
Speaking at the National Concert Hall to mark the refurbishment of the Kevin Barry Rooms this evening, Mr Kenny said: "The new political reality following the election of the 32nd Dail is difficult for all political parties, including my own.
"The General Election result requires a new way of doing politics to provide stable and lasting Government".
"The complex decision delivered by the people requires a different kind of answer, a different kind of response. A big bold response," he said.
"Since the election, many efforts have been made to form a Government that has the capacity to tackle the serious national and international challenges facing the country," he said.
"Negotiations are continuing as I stand here, and it is my most earnest hope that we can achieve a Government in the national interest and the people," Mr Kenny
Asked by reporters on his way in as to the status of the talks, the temporary Taoiseach said: "Well initial talks are ongoing", when asked for an update on the talks between his party and Fianna Fáil.
Mr Kenny described the re-opening of the rooms in which the 1921 and 1922 Anglo Irish Treaty debates took place as highly significant.
"The debates are a salutary reminder of the responsibilities borne by elected representatives of the people.
"We now have to be mindful again of that responsibility," Mr Kenny said.
Mr Kenny spoke of the need of reaching out across the divide in the national interest.
