Programme for government with Labour 'not a runner', says Social Democrats deputy leader
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A combined Labour-Social Democrats platform to negotiate a programme for government looks unlikely after it was called "a non-runner" by the Social Democrats' deputy leader.
The two parties met on Friday, having what were described as positive discussions. However, the Social Democrats told Labour that its participation in government was contingent on its own red lines, not whoever else may be in government.
Cian O'Callaghan said that his party had been "clear" throughout the election that the Social Democrats would run on their own merit.
“It was a positive meeting during which we spoke about the areas where both parties can co-operate in the new Dáil. The Social Democrats have always been clear that we want to go into government and that our participation in government is contingent on five dealbreakers being met.
“We have always been consistent about what those dealbreakers are: 50,000 affordable purchase homes; the full implementation of Sláintecare; a senior minister for disability; quality public childcare; and credible climate action."
Mr O'Callaghan said that "whether other parties want to go into government" is a matter for them. He said that his party and Labour had not spoken before the election regarding a programme for government and that it was "not a runner" to do so after the election.
He said that the "appropriate time" to combine a platform would be "long before an election".
Speaking after the meeting, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said that the parties had identified areas for collaboration. Labour will convene a central council meeting on Saturday and another parliamentary party meeting on Monday to set out its next steps.
"We're very serious about building a common platform of the centre-left. It's what we believe in."
She said that the party "respects" the Social Democrats position, but denied that her overtures had been "rejected".
"We're still very committed to developing the common platform as a way of ensuring the maximum strength and maximum impact for the values which we share with the Social Democrats and the Greens."
Meanwhile, Michael Healy-Rae said that he had met with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on Wednesday. The Independent TD for Kerry said the meeting lasted an hour and it was “productive and positive”.
In a statement on Friday, Mr Healy-Rae said: “Following a phone conversation on Tuesday we met with Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of supporting an incoming government. The meeting lasted an hour, it was productive and positive.
“The Tánaiste sought an insight into what our priorities were regarding policy and projects. Whilst no commitments were made on either side, it was agreed that we would continue to talk over the coming days and we will continue to engage with anybody who wishes to speak with us.”