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Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continuing talks after 'constructive and cordial' meeting

Talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on the formation of a minority government are cont...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.58 12 Apr 2016


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Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil cont...

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continuing talks after 'constructive and cordial' meeting

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.58 12 Apr 2016


Share this article


Talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on the formation of a minority government are continuing today.

The two parties are set to get into substantive negotiations around policies after a 90 minute meeting last night that was aimed at building trust between them.

After last night's meeting, the same short statement was issued by both parties saying the talks were "constructive and cordial".

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They are resuming discussions today, with Irish Water and the Universal Social Charge expected to be two major stumbling blocks. 

Independents are also holding meetings today to assess progress they made in talks with the parties and decide on their next step.

However, it appears there are splits in their ranks about whether they would support a Fine Gael led or Fianna Fáil led minority government.

Newstalk's Political Correspondent Páraic Gallagher says at this stage Thursday's planned vote for Taoiseach could be deferred.

Even if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael reach an agreement by tomorrow night, Independents are likely to want time to consider any offers:

Newstalk's Political Editor Shane Coleman spoke to Breakfast this morning about yesterday's talks between the two biggest parties and what sort of outcome we can expect.

"I'm not quite sure how it can be done, but there does seem to be some hope that some kind of deal can be reached by Wednesday night," he explained. "That would of course allow people to vote for Taoiseach on Thursday. It would certainly free up the Independent TDs to vote for somebody.

"If that is the case... quite obviously what we're talking about between the two parties is a very loose agreement. Nothing close to a programme for government, not involving any major policy issues - more of a roadmap on [how] this is going to work," he added.


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