As attempts to build a new coalition government get more intense, the head of the Labour Party has met with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, reports Breaking News.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ivana Bacik met separately with Simon Harris, the head of Fine Gael, and Michael Martin, the leader of Fianna Fail.
The last coalition in Dublin was led by Fianna Fáil, which took 48 seats in the general election last month, and Fine Gael, which took 38 seats. It is anticipated that they will continue to work together into the new term, reports Breaking News.
They fall barely shy of the 88 seats needed for a majority in the Dáil, though, with 86 MPs in total.
They would require a few independents or a junior partner from a lesser party if they were to run for office again jointly.
Sinn Fein gained 39 seats, and Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have both said they would not do business with them.
If Fianna Fail and Fine Gael want to persuade a smaller party to join the coalition, the only two viable alternatives are the centre-left Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party, both of which gained 11 seats in the election, reports Breaking News.
The Labour Party stated in a statement that during her talks with Tanaiste Mr. Martin and Taoiseach Mr. Harris, Ms. Bacik laid forth important policy priorities.
“There was discussion in both meetings on policies and manifesto commitments on housing, health, climate, workers’ rights and disability services among other issues,” said the statement, reports Breaking News.
“The parliamentary party will meet at 1pm on Friday where the party leader will provide an assessment of engagement to date and consider the outcome of these meetings,” reports Breaking News.
A spokesman for Mr Harris said there had been a “constructive engagement” with Ms Bacik.
“The Taoiseach is grateful for the time and engagement on a range of substantial policy issues,” he said, reports Breaking News.
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