The head of Fianna Fáil has indicated that there is a necessity to advance with coalition discussions promptly, although this will not take place prior to Christmas, reports RTE.
Micheál Martin stated that there are urgent issues for the incoming government to address, but it would be premature for him to impose a timeline considering other parties are involved.
Mr. Martin expressed: “We might complete most of the groundwork by Christmas, but we must concentrate on the pressing matters.”
“I don’t expect we will come to an agreement by Christmas. However, I believe that the majority of the public wants us to establish a government as swiftly as possible,” reports RTE.
He also mentioned that he would request a mandate from his Fianna Fáil TDs when the parliamentary party convenes tomorrow, but he prioritizes ensuring that any coalition will serve a full term and provide decisive governance.
Mr. Martin chose not to delve into “details” such as a rotating Taoiseach, indicating it is much too early for such discussions.
After Friday’s General Election, Fianna Fáil concluded with 48 TDs, Sinn Féin with 39, Fine Gael with 38, Independents with 16, Labour with 11, Social Democrats with 11, PBP-Solidarity with 3, Aontú with 2, Independent Ireland with 4, Green Party with 1, and the 100% Redress Party also with 1 seat.
Both Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are expected to hold meetings of their parliamentary parties tomorrow, while the Social Democrats will conduct an online meeting of its parliamentary party today, reports RTE.
The party has reached out to Sinn Féin, Labour, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael to arrange meetings to discuss subsequent steps.
Discussions with Sinn Féin are scheduled for Thursday, followed by a meeting with the Labour party on Friday.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald remarked that her party “will never give up” their pursuit for a better future, as parties convene in the upcoming days with the aim of forming a government.
Ms. McDonald stated this afternoon: “Hundreds of thousands of individuals voted for change. I understand there is genuine disappointment that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear determined to continue as they did before the election,” reports RTE.
“But be assured of this – we will never surrender. There is too much at risk,” reports RTE.
Her party’s 39 TDs will gather tomorrow at Leinster House.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik is scheduled to meet with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman on Thursday, prior to Friday’s meeting with Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan.
The results of the internal discussions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael could open the door for some level of interaction regarding government formation before Christmas, yet intensive negotiations may not commence until January, reports RTE.
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