Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ramp up Government formation talks - amid hunt for third coalition partner
by Louise Burne · Irish MirrorGovernment formation talks will ramp up today as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiating teams meet for the first time.
It follows a meeting between chief negotiators for both parties on Tuesday evening. Fianna Fáil's deputy leader, Jack Chambers, met with Fine Gael's deputy leader, Helen McEntee, to discuss how the government formation talks will run.
The negotiating teams for both parties will meet on Wednesday with policies that could form part of a programme for government expected to be discussed. Wrangling for positions and agreements around rotating Taoisigh and cabinet ministries will likely be discussed at a later stage.
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A Fianna Fáil spokeswoman described the meeting between Mr Chambers and Ms McEntee as “positive”, with the “Ministers discussing the structure and format for the talks”.
“A meeting of the full negotiating teams from both parties will take place [on Wednesday].” she added.
Attention is turning to who the third stool in government will be, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael eying the Labour Party.
The prospect of bringing in independents is also being examined. The Regional Group will also meet in Leinster House on Wednesday. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris will hold separate talks with Social Democrats co-leader Cian O’Callaghan.
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik met with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste separately on Tuesday. It is understood that the meetings lasted about an hour each. They were described as informal and not “negotiations.” Labour’s parliamentary party will meet on Friday.
A spokeswoman said that “Deputy Bacik provided each leader with Labour’s policy priorities”.
“There was discussion in both meetings on policies and manifesto commitments on housing, health, climate, workers’ rights and disability services, among other issues,” she said.
There are still mixed feelings within the Labour Party about the prospect of going into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
Sources stated that some parts of Labour’s policies could prove to be “sticking points,” such as its calls for a state construction company, the introduction of an eviction ban, and the phasing out of the Help to Buy scheme.
A spokesman for the Taoiseach described the meeting as “constructive”.
“The Taoiseach is grateful for the time and engagement on a range of substantial policy issues,” he said.
“The Taoiseach has also met with Independent TDs in the regional group. These meetings have been productive.”
The Taoiseach and his negotiating team will meet with the Social Democrats today [weds].
The Soc Dems will also meet with Fianna Fáil. Its deputy leader, Cian O’Callaghan, said on Tuesday the party wants to go into government.
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