Talks to agree a new programme for government are expected to intensify over the coming days, with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris saying his aim is to form a government that can "deliver five budgets".
Mr Harris was speaking in Government Buildings when he addressed the approach to government formation and negotiations with Independents.
He explained: "We're very, very keen to put together a government that can put together five budgets, I think that is an absolute must.
"I think it should be stated explicitly in any Programme for Government agreement. This government needs to deliver five budgets and to do that I think you need to build a working Dáil majority."
"So not just a Dáil majority on paper, but a Dáil majority that is sustainable," he continued.
"In the course of any government, the Dáil arithmetic changes so it's important to try and build a sizeable Dáil majority so you can provide that stable government for five budgets."
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Lowry 'not an impediment' to forming new Govt
Earlier, seven members of the Regional Independent Group met Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiators.
They have agreed to "commence intensive negotiations on a Programme for Government".
As he arrived for the meeting, Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry said he is satisfied he is not an impediment to talks to form a new government.
The Tipperary TD was leading the team of seven Independent TDs who presented a policy paper to the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiating teams.
Asked if his position as a lead negotiator would be an impediment to the talks, given that the DPP has been sent a file following a garda inquiry arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal 14 years ago, Deputy Lowry said: "I am absolutely happy."
He said: "I am resolute and we are very determined that we are going in here to do the best we can for the people that elected us to represent them here."
Michael Lowry says he is absolutely not an impediment to talks on Gov formation as leader of Regional Independents negotiating team. He is "resolute" and will "do the best we can for the people we represent." @rtenews pic.twitter.com/28Y9MSbwVj
— Mary Regan (@MaryERegan) January 10, 2025
These are the first formal talks between the bigger parties and the regional groups which are widely expected to make up the third leg of the new Government.
Asked what their priorities would be, Galway East Independent Seán Canney said: "The interest of the State, in total, and the regions in Ireland, and we are looking forward to the negotiations."
Another member of the group, Dublin Bay North TD Barry Heneghan said they had a number of key issues which it has highlighted. "We are doing our best to get it over the line for the Irish people."
The first-time TD said: "Everyone at the table wants the best for the Irish people, we have been very productive and there is great experience here to guide me through."
The two Independent TDs for Kerry, Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, held an hour-and-a-half of discussions with Mr Martin and Mr Harris in an effort to form a government.
The two TDs are understood to have discussed policies on farming, fishing, health and housing which they said were needed for them to support a Programme for Government and to support a government for five budgets.
Sources said what is being discussed is not an "ad hoc" arrangement rather their participation in a "stable" government which would be made up of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, regional independents and two Healy Raes - lasting up to November 2029.
Discussions between negotiators from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and the Healy-Raes will continue over the weekend.
Last night a virtual meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary party was told that negotiating teams are working as quickly as possible to form a government.
Talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will continue throughout the weekend.
But with 86 seats between them - just shy of a working majority - the big focus will be on who will make up the third leg of a coalition.
Talks are also ongoing with Independent Ireland, which has four TDs.
Despite some questions being raised about the central role being played by Mr Lowry, both Mr Martin and Mr Harris said there are no kingmakers in these talks.
The Fine Gael leader said it is up to the Regional Independent Group who leads their negotiations, while the Fianna Fáil leader said Mr Lowry would not be a minister in any coalition deal.
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Additional reporting Joe Mag Raollaigh
