Government formation talks have been suspended but parties will resume efforts to form a new coalition next week while leaders cooperate in the battle to stop coronavirus from spreading.

A new technical grouping of nine TDs has been formed in Dail Eireann which could play a crucial role in the coming negotiations regarding the formation of a new Government.

With no sign of progress on Government formation, the initiative is being seized by the 19 independents elected to the new Dáil.

A number of non-party TDs told the Irish Examiner that they are “absolutely” open to talking with others about how to progress their election wish-lists.

After a long and anxious wait, Mr Harris, along with Fianna Fáil health spokesman Stephen Donnelly and Green Party councillor Steven Matthews, took the final three seats in Wicklow in the 15th count.

Ms Harkin announced this morning that she will contest next month's General Election in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency as an Independent.

In this special report Elaine Loughlin reveals the extent of expenses payments accrued by Irish MEPs over the most recent five-year European Parliament term.

Outspoken Independents, a celebrity candidate, and a risk that the result could cause a snap general election mean the sprawling Midlands-North West is set for high drama, writes Political Correspondent Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Three-time MEP Marian Harkin has confirmed she will not seek re-election to the European Parliament and said the size of her constituency and a tough travelling schedule are two of her reasons for stepping back from politics.

An Irish MEP has expressed concern that a vote taking place in the European Parliament later, could have significant implications for Irish Road Hauliers.

Any remark about “old goats” will conjure up images of cranky old men with beards. 

The EU’s tax chief has appealed for a “serene” response from Ireland on the bloc’s latest corporate tax overhaul, saying he’s not out to harm the country’s business model.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney expects to appoint a new water commission chief by this weekend, as he goes to Brussels to stop the EU fining Ireland for suspending water charges.

Sinn Féin has accused Europe of “playing politics” with water charges while Fianna Fáil has disregarded comments by the European Commission stating that the charges cannot be reversed.

An EU court has ordered the Government to recover over €10m in illegal state aid from Co Limerick-based metals refinery Aughinish Alumina.

Get a taste of some of the interesting and quirky happenings in Europe from our Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill

Get a taste of some of the interesting and quirky happenings in Europe from our Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill.

Get a taste of some of the interesting and quirky happenings in Europe from our Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill.

And now for something completely different, we take a look at some of the lighter stories from the happenings of the European Union.

Get a taste of some of the interesting and quirky happenings in Europe from our Europe correspondent, Ann Cahill.

The decision on whether Ireland granted illegal state aid to Apple and should receive many millions of euro back from the US multinational will not now be made next month, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has said.

Mobile phone roaming charges were due to end this year but that is now unlikely because EU member states say more time is needed.

As an elected representative of the Irish people to the European Parliament I would like to distance myself from the remarks of An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in relation to how the new government of Greece should progress in its debt negotiations with the EU.

Union representatives are to meet with management at the Bose factory in Monaghan today as closure looms.

Irish MEPs have all signed a joint letter demanding that the ECB President Mario Draghi appear before the Banking Inquiry.