Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to open formal government formation talks

A statement revealed that the leaders held "constructive discussions over the last two days about a series of policy issues and the current political situation.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are to open formal talks on forming a government amid fears over the coronavirus and after meetings of the two party leaders.

In a statement this evening, Fianna Fáil confirmed that the two parties will appoint their own teams for the negotiations, which come as the country prepares to fight the spread of the virus.