Talks over forming a new Irish Government to take place

FOLLOWING the Irish elections on February 26, there is still no indication on which parties will form a new Government.  The Cabinet is meeting on March 2 to discuss how a government could potentially form. 

In three constituencies counts and recounts are underway and six out of the 158 seats have yet to be allocated. Out in front, Fine Gael is the largest party with 49 seats, only five seats in front of rival, Fianna Fáil.

Leader of Fianna Fáil stated that a new government should be in place before reforms of the current government take place. He continued: “We believe that the new Dáil should not represent more business as usual – that it should involve a decisive move towards a reformed politics.” 

Former Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Bertie Ahern said he believed that talks to form a new coalition government would not conclude before Easter.

The current leader of the party, Enda Kenny, confirmed over the weekend that the Fine Gael/Labour coalition government which he led for the past five years had failed to secure a return to office.

The Parliament will reconvene on March 10 where proposals for a leader are due to take place, and it is likely Mr Kenny will be named Taoiseach, following his ´care-taker´ leadership up until the new government is formed. 

Other candidates for the new Taoiseach are Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams. Mr Kenny, who´s seat is safe in Mayo where he has been re-elected, said it was clear the existing government would not regain power.

He refused to discuss possible options for the next government. However, he added: “As Taoiseach I have a duty and responsibility to see how best we might be able to put together a government.”