During a Dáíl debate on the election of a Taoiseach it is agreed that more time be given to Fianna Fáíl and the Progressive Democrats to negotiate for a coalition government.

When the election results were complete it became obvious that yet again it was going to be difficult to form a government. When the newly elected Dáil deputies met on 29 June, they were unable to elect a new Taoiseach and government.

In a Dáil debate on 6 July, Charles Haughey indicates that Fianna Fáil would be willing to enter coalition "in the higher national interest" of forming a government and avoiding another election.

A report for the 'News at Six Thirty' on the Dáil debate to elect a Taoiseach on 6 July 1989.

The photograph accompanying this clip show reporter Liam Cahill taken in 1990.

The photographer was Tom Holton. RTÉ Stills Library 2019/026

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