Efforts to form a government have slowed to a snail’s pace as courted Independent TDs are at the centre of a tug of war between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Senior Fine Gael negotiators have warned Independents of a summer of political strife and a possible second election if a government is not formed.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath explains why he took part in talks with Fine Gael and why the inability of the big parties to talk to each other is a stumbling point.

Tánaiste Joan Burton says she has an open mind about extending the Ombudsman’s powers to enable him investigate complaints against Irish Water.