A group of independent TDs have agreed to a further meeting with negotiators from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
They discussed the framework document published last week by the two parties on government formation.
The three independent deputies - Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael McNamara and Marian Harkin - also presented proposals for discussion at this morning's meeting.
I met with FF/FG negotiators regarding Government formation. Talks were constructive but it was clear the priority of FF/FG is to get another party to join them in Government. I will engage with all parties seeking to form a Government given the scale of the challenges we face. pic.twitter.com/XrEyFfJw6l
— Michael McNamara TD (@MlMcNamaraTD) April 20, 2020
Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin said the groups involved will meet again following today's discussions.
She explained: "We had constructive discussions - enough to warrant a further meeting.
"There are a number of clarifications and questions on both sides.
"We went through their document, they went through ours, and we tried to see what common ground there was."
She said that while the details of today's conversations are being kept confidential, her group's priorities include rural and agricultural issues as well as "balanced regional development".
Deputy Harkin suggested they want to "influence what happens in the next government, if that's possible".
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Regional Technical Group of Independent TDs, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil also concluded this evening - with one TD saying it was "alright".
The Green Party met today to continue to discuss their response to the framework document, but say it will be a number of days before they've reached a conclusion.
