Fianna Fáil explores coalition options
Wednesday, 30 May 2007 23:07
Fianna Fáil has begun moves to put together a new Government, contacting a number of Independent TDs to discuss possible support in the Dáil.
With just over two weeks to go before the 30th Dáil meets for the first time, efforts to put together a government majority are gathering pace.
Fine Gael has already contacted the five Independent TDs to discuss possible support, and today Fianna Fáil got into the game, speaking to Finian McGrath, Jackie Healy-Rae and Beverley Flynn.
None of the Independents were prepared to say exactly what had been discussed, but all said they were determined to do their best for their constituencies.
Mr Healy-Rae told RTÉ News he had received one phonecall from a senior figure in Fianna Fáil, while he received three calls from Fine Gael figures.
The two PD votes are also seen as crucial. The party's candidates and directors of elections met in a Dublin hotel this evening to review the party's disastrous election performance. Acting leader Mary Harney said it was a 'sad day' for the party.
Ms Harney confirmed that she had been approached by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael about the formation of a new government, but said that today was not a day for making decisions.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party, which has one fewer TD since the election, met in Dublin this afternoon.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said he had not been contacted by anyone in Fianna Fáil.
Sinn Féin also set out its position today, saying it was open to talks with either side on the formation of the next Government, but that it would want seats in Cabinet in return for its support.
- Morning Ireland: Conor Hunt speaks to some of the Labour Party's 20 TDs to gauge the level of support for the possibility of entering government with Fianna Fáil
- Morning Ireland: Noel Whelan, political analyst, gives his view on what the Labour Party needs to consider in its post-election review, including the question of entering coalition with Fianna Fáil
- Morning Ireland: John Higgins, General Secretary, Progressive Democrats, discusses his party's performance in the election and its preferred option for coalition government with Fianna Fáil
- Morning Ireland: Ann-Marie Power looks at Mary Fitzpatrick's claims she was shafted by Bertie Ahern in this preview of her documentary on the battle between three female candidates in Dublin Central 'Patricia, Mary and Mary-Lou Too', RTÉ Radio 1, 8.02pm
- News At One: Liz McManus, Labour Party deputy leader, does not believe her party will go into Government without Fine Gael
- News At One: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, says the PDs could decide who governs the country for the next five years
- News At One: Charlie Bird, Chief News Correspondent, says the PDs are due to hold another meeting at 4pm this afternoon
- Six One News: Charlie Bird, Chief News Correspondent, reports on a review of the election results by the Progressive Democrats
- Six One News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, reports on the twists and turns in the process of forming a new Government
- Six One News: Mary Harney, Progressive Democrats acting leader, says she has a had a number of contacts with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael
- Six One News: David McCullagh believes the PDs hold the key to who will be in Government for the next five years
- One News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, discusses the state of play as both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael seek to form a Government
- Nine News: Charlie Bird, Chief News Correspondent, reports on the poor election performance by the Progressive Democrats
- Nine News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, reports on contacts between Fianna Fáil and Independent TDs
