Talks between various parties and independents are continuing ahead of the resumption of the Dáil on Thursday.
Sinn Féin is to nominate Gerry Adams for the position of Taoiseach - effectively meaning none of the three candidates declared can now secure a majority in a vote.
Meanwhile the race for Ceann Comhairle continues - Independent Maureen O'Sullivan has the required seven nominations while Fine Gael's Andrew Doyle and Bernard Durkan have announced their intentions to be on the ballot paper.
Fine Gael will continue talks with smaller parties and Independents to see what they need to agree to vote for Enda Kenny as Taoiseach.
Top of the wishlist for most is political and Dáil reform - the Social Democrats described their meeting with Fine Gael as constructive, saying Enda Kenny reacted positively to their suggestion of an all-party forum on the issue.
The Finance Minister Michael Noonan says he expects talks on forming a Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil coalition will begin after the Dáil meets on Thursday.
He has also indicated that Fine Gael is prepared to show some flexibility on the issue of water charges.
Fine Gael is meeting with the Independent Alliance, other non-aligned TDs and the Social Democrats in Leinster House.
But in Brussels yesterday, Mr Noonan said he does not think any substantial deal will be reached before Thursday's vote on a new government - and he expects discussions to then move to Fianna Fáil.
But the Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe told Newstalk Lunchtime he would prefer to continue government talks without Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.
Next Taoiseach?
Sinn Féin's pledge to nominate Deputy Adams for Taoiseach comes as the founder of the Independent Alliance has refused to say who he wants to become the next Taoiseach.
Shane Ross said he had no preference for either Micheál Martin or Enda Kenny and has not ruled out going into opposition:
The vote to decide who will lead the 32nd Dáil takes place on Thursday.
Currently, Fine Gael is the largest party in the country with 50 TDs - but it remains to be seen who will garner enough support to be Taoiseach.
Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Mr Kenny said he does not think a Taoiseach will be elected on Thursday.
