No clarity on Taoiseach role as Cabinet meets for first time since election
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Micheál Martin and Simon Harris have declined to say who will be Taoiseach first when a new government is formed, as both men are calling for policy to be prioritised.
Formal talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are set to get underway on Wednesday, following a meeting between lead negotiators Jack Chambers and Helen McEntee on Tuesday night. Both Mr Martin and Mr Harris have indicated that it will be January before a government will be formed.
Speaking on his way to Cabinet, the outgoing Taoiseach declined to speculate on who would take the top job first. “My answer on this question, rather boringly perhaps, will be the same until there is agreement,” Mr Harris said.
“Of course, as we move through that [government formation] process, we’ll discuss things like the structure of the government.”
The Fianna Fáil leader also would not say if he would be made Taoiseach first. He said he fought the election campaign with a view to lead the country again.
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“But again, I’ll respect the talks process and we’ll see what transpires,” he said.
Mr Harris said that any new government would need to be formed on the basis of "mutual respect". “My conversations with the Tánaiste are confidential, but I am satisfied that there is a way forward here, subject to being able to get a serious policy framework agreed in the coming weeks.”
He said there was a need for a "sufficient majority" within the Dáíl — and how it was his belief that Independent TDs were keen to act as a "third element" to a new government. However, there was "substantial work" needed to be completed within the negotiations before Christmas, according to Mr Martin.
Mr Harris said the government should be formed “as quickly as possible”, but a balance needed to be struck on negotiating quickly and “getting it right”.
Ideally, a new government would be in place before the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump on January 20, he noted.
Meanwhile, the new regional group of independents is to formally engage in government formation talks from next week.
Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry is to lead early engagement between the newly established Regional Group and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with the first talks scheduled for early next week.
The Regional Group has confirmed that it will nominate Wexford TD Verona Murphy for the position of Ceann Comhairle, and has urged other parties to support her.
“Her nomination marks a significant milestone in the political landscape and will further reflect the necessity for inclusivity and diversity in Dáil Éireann,” a spokesperson for the group said.
“We appeal to all members of the Dáil to recognise that this is an opportunity to promote gender equality in Irish politics.
“Deputy Murphy’s nomination has the potential to be historic, as if elected Deputy Murphy would be the first woman to hold the position of Ceann Comhairle since the formation of the State.”
The group confirmed that Mr Lowry has contacted the leaders of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and called on them to support Ms Murphy for the role.
Mr Lowry is due to meet with Mr Chambers and Ms McEntee early next week, to agree a structure for the Regional Group’s engagement with government negotiations.
Following this meeting, the group will formally appoint their negotiators. The group has also confirmed that Offaly TD Carol Nolan has joined the technical group.
Later on Wednesday, Mr Harris will be engaging with Egyptian president Abdel el-Sisi, where he will raise the case of an Irish mother who has had her two children kept in Egypt by their father since 2022.
Mandy Kelly was granted custody of her two children, Kareem and Zayn, but has not had contact with the two since 2022, after her husband took them to Egypt.