Sargent to meet Ahern as maneuvering continues
The Green Party leader Trevor Sargent is due to meet Bertie Ahern tonight to discuss a possible programme for Government, it emerged this afternoon.
Green Party chairman John Gormley hinted this afternoon that there was some movement on outstanding issues between his party and Fianna Fáil.
Talks team member Dan Boyle said: "I think there have been moves in the right direction which have allowed us to re-enter a process to the extent that we feel further progress can be achieved."
But he added: "Time is very much against us. Reaching agreement on the substantive issues is vital."
The Greens hope to convene a party conference on Wednesday to discuss any proposed coalition deal with Fianna Fáil ahead of the 30th Dáil's first meeting on Thursday.
Mr Boyle added: "If we were to be part of a new Government, it would be a new Government in the sense that it would be perceived to be different and doing different things."
Representatives of both parties have been in talks throughout the day, trying to resolve matters where there are differences of emphasis on policy.
The latest batch of proposals from Fianna Fáil were handed into Green Party HQ this afternoon.
The document was sent at lunchtime, in response to a document handed to Fianna Fáil yesterday which outlined issues the Greens want resolved before they can agree a deal.
