Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to begin government formation talks after 'positive' meeting
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Formal government formation talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will commence on Tuesday, as Micheál Martin and Simon Harris have agreed to start coalition negotiations.
A joint statement from the two parties confirmed that the leaders met on Monday, saying it was a “positive, constructive engagement”.
“The Taoiseach and Tánaiste 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 statement read.
Direct negotiations on a policy platform are now scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with one Fianna Fáil source saying that the meeting between Mr Martin and Mr Harris was to “pave the way” towards an agreement.
Fianna Fáil’s negotiating team is set to be led by deputy party leader Jack Chambers, while Fine Gael’s will be led by their deputy party leader Helen McEntee.
Meanwhile, the Labour is set to engage on a one-to-one basis with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, after party leader Ivana Bacik had separate phone calls with the two leaders.
Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have agreed to individual meetings with Ms Bacik, while future engagement with Sinn Féin is also being examined.
The Labour leader is again seeking to establish a common left-wing platform, alongside both the Social Democrats and the Green Party.
This is despite the Social Democrats rejecting the proposal last Friday, with deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan describing it as a “non-runner”.