Party leaders to meet in coming days as attention turns to Government formation
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Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan has written to the leaders of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to schedule meetings to discuss government formation talks.
It is understood that the Labour Party will meet with the Social Democrats on Friday, with Ivana Bacik also set to meet Roderic O'Gorman this week.
In a statement, Mr O’Callaghan said that "political parties that are serious about improving the lives of people in Ireland must immediately get to work".
“The problems this country is facing – in housing, healthcare, childcare, disability services and climate – are pressing and require urgent attention. It is therefore essential that we work with each other, where possible, to find and implement solutions to these crises.
“The Social Democrats have always been clear that we will meet with every party, post the election, to discuss the potential for co-operation. As a constructive party, which is solution-focused, we are hopeful these meetings can be both positive and productive.
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“In that spirit, I have written to the leaders of Sinn Féin and the Labour Party to schedule meetings on Thursday and Friday, respectively. I have also written to the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to request meetings.
“It is imperative that we have these meetings to discuss what we can do to further collaborate in order to drive a progressive reform agenda.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wrote yesterday to both Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik as she seeks to form a left-wing alliance heading into the 34th Dáil.
However, there is growing acceptance in Sinn Féin that this gesture will not lead to a government, given the 86 seats held by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, just shy of a majority.
Elsewhere, both Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are in Edinburgh on Friday to attend a British-Irish Council Summit, in what could be their first meeting after the general election.