Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to start government formation talks tomorrow

James Cox

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are to begin government formation talks tomorrow, after a meeting between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin on Monday.

A joint statement said Micheál Martin and Simon Harris had a "positive and constructive" engagement.

“The two party leaders met today and had a positive, constructive engagement,” the statement said.

“The Taoiseach and Tanaiste agreed the need for a stable government, underpinned by mutual respect and clear policy direction, for the next five years, so that it can deliver for the Irish people in the face of great challenges.

“The two party leaders have now asked their negotiating teams to commence talks tomorrow.”

The negotiating teams for both parties will meet tomorrow to discuss policy.

Both leaders had phone calls with Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik today, while Simon Harris has started meeting a swathe of Independents on an individual basis.

Despite an apparent ramping up of discussions, it's still unlikely a government will be in place for the return of the Dáil on December 18th.

Early to mid-January is believed to be the most likely time for a full agreement on the shape of the next government.

Sources have indicated that Mr Martin and Mr Harris favour a deal with Independent TDs rather than Labour or the Social Democrats.

Together, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have 86 seats, two short of a Dáil majority. However, they will likely target around 90 seats for a strong majority.

Fianna Fáil has the stronger negotiating position, as they have 48 seats to Fine Gael's 38.

Reports have indicated Fianna Fáil will push for a longer spell for Mr Martin as leader in any rotating taoiseach arrangement, possibly three years to two.

Other issues will include how important ministeries are divided, and how many Cabinet seats each party gets.

Fine Gael has indicated they will seek "parity", mentioning the word in a number of press statements.

Speaking at the weekend, the Taoiseach said it should not be taken for granted that his party will be in the next government.

"There is far too much presumption in relation to the outcome of government talks before government talks have even taken place," Mr Harris said.

"I wouldn’t take my party for granted and I think fewer public musings and more concrete engagement is the way to proceed."