Fine Gael signals coalition with Fianna Fáil a possibility

Fine Gael has given its strongest signal to date that a coalition with Fianna Fáil is possible.

The party’s director of elections, Brian Hayes, has said that discussions with Fianna Fáil “could occur” in the coming weeks.

But Mr Hayes has also spoken of Fine Gael seeking to form an inter-party Government, akin to the 1948-1951 government, which was formed to exclude Fianna Fáil from power. Mr Hayes was speaking ahead of the Dáil convening to elect a new taoiseach on Thursday.

But as it is expected that no one will have sufficient support to be in a position to form a government, talks between various parties will begin in earnest.

While both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have looked to independents and smaller parties for support, there is growing momentum behind a coalition between the two parties.

Newly elected Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry released a statement saying Fianna Fáil could enter some arrangement, which would see the role of taoiseach rotated between the parties.

“My personal view is Fianna Fáil could agree to enter Government on an equal footing with a rotating taoiseach. My view is a four- year commitment to govern with only both in agreement being in a position to dissolve [the] Dáil is essential to good and stable government for the people,” he said.

It is seen that Mr MacSharry’s comments are reflective of a wider view within his party and has been released in order to test the waters as to such a deal.

Meanwhile, one of the country’s leading constitutional lawyers says Enda Kenny will be required to formally resign as taoiseach if he fails to win majority support in the Dáil this week.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE

The former attorney general John Rodgers says there was a precedent in 1989 when the then taoiseach Charles Haughey was forced to resign, but stayed on as caretaker taoiseach until a government was formed.

The lower house will vote on the issue on Thursday with Mr Kenny, Micheál Martin and Gerry Adams all expected to be put forward.

Mr Rodgers said article 28 of the Constitution was very clear. He said: “Mr Haughey did resign, so far as I remember it, and that resolved the issue and I think that is the appropriate way it should be resolved.

“My view is that it is a very important signal that the Constitution is effective, that that would happen.

“And I think that’s what should happen, if Enda Kenny doesn’t secure the support of the majority of Dáil Éireann.”

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE