The incessant talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail once again ended without agreement yesterday, particularly on the issue of water charges.
Fine Gael, probably under the auspice of vested interests bent on future privatisation, remain steadfast in their position of keeping the charges on. Fianna Fail want them frozen for at least five years.
After days and days of talks, no deal is yet in sight.
Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe, who recently shunned his duties by refusing to intervene in the Luas row, has said they are capable of tackling the issues.
“I believe that we are capable of dealing with the matters that are there,” said Donohoe.
“There are difficult issues for both parties, that is why we believe now that it is appropriate at this stage that we get instructions and guidance from our party leaders on theses matters.”
In spite of such words, there was reportedly a marked change of mood after yesterday’s failure, with talks entering a downward slope leading to a new election.