Talks on the formation of a Fine Gael-led government will get under way tomorrow with independent TDs.
Six members of the Independent Alliance will commence talks with Fine Gael ministers on a range of issues that could provide a basis for an agreed programme for government.
However, it became clear today that the provision of cardiac services in the South East could become a make-or-break issue for the Alliance.
Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, Waterford TD John Halligan said he informed his five fellow Alliance members that if they reached agreement on all other issues, except cardiac services in Waterford hospital he would not object to them entering government.
But he said the Alliance have decided either all six will support a government or none will. That makes agreement on cardiac services crucial to securing a deal.
Mr Halligan also criticised acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar describing him as "a hindrance" to the negotiations.
Halligan stays firm on restoration of 24hr Waterford cardiac care in exchange for support for Kenny as Taoiseachhttps://t.co/oGIxlFL9pK
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 1, 2016
Last night, a spokesman for Mr Varadkar rejected that criticism saying he was totally committed to helping form a government.
The spokesman said the minister did not have authority in the negotiations to make definite offers on cardiac or other services and that decisions like this had to be based on clinical criteria, not political deals.
"Even in the wealthiest countries, resources for health are finite and, as far as is possible, decisions on where specialist and regional centres are located should be made following an expert clinical review and patient and population data not as a consequence of a political deal," added the spokesman.
Earlier today, Minister for Agriculture and Defence Simon Coveney said he expects a government will be in place by Thursday at the latest.
Speaking on RTÉ News, Mr Coveney said he hoped that over the next few days Fine Gael can agree a partnership with independents.
The minister also appealed to other smaller parties such as the Green Party and the Social Democrats to think about the role they could play in government.
Minister for Agriculture and Defence Simon Coveney expects new govt by Thursdayhttps://t.co/xIkJFqxKEd
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 1, 2016
Mr Coveney said he believed the future would be difficult for smaller parties, particularly the Social Democrats, who ran for election for the first time.
He said he understood that the Social Democrats may want to stay in opposition to build their party structures.
As for the Greens, he said it may be difficult for the party to "get their heads" around being in government rather than a radical voice from the opposition.
Fine Gael’s agreement with Fianna Fáil to form a minority government must be accompanied by guarantees of support from at least six Independent TDs.
