The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders will meet again this morning to discuss policy issues.
It comes amid speculation formal government formation talks may start sooner than expected because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin met for more than an hour last night to discuss policy face-to-face after their teams held talks last week.
In similar statements issued yesterday evening, both parties said the two leaders "discussed a variety of policy issues".
Another meeting has been arranged for this morning, with the pace suggesting that formal programme for government negotiations may not be far behind.
Looks like talks might be starting to step up if they’re having a second meeting. Though likely also dictated by the fact the Taoiseach is out of the country the rest of the week
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) March 9, 2020
So far, Fine Gael has insisted it is preparing to go into opposition and would only enter government as a last resort.
However, with the country bracing for further spread of the coronavirus, the time for a last resort may be sooner rather than later.
The Taoiseach has said he will be able to speak on that in more detail in the coming days.
Leo Varadkar would need permission from his parliamentary party for more formal talks to start with Fianna Fáil.
However, it seems as if Covid-19 is focusing minds as he prepares to meet Micheál Martin again this morning.
The numbers seem to dictate that any government between the two parties would also need the support of the Greens or other smaller groups within the Dáil, as both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have repeatedly ruled out working with Sinn Féin.
