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 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.

Claire Kerrane’s likely election means that for the first occasion since the foundation of the state neither Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael will take a seat in this constituency.

Rochard Bruton said: “It is my ambition to have the Climate Bill enacted before an election."

Angry farmers have this evening said they will not end their protest until they secure a meeting with Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.

The Agriculture Minister is being called on to fast track talks on the beef crisis.

The Government has been urged to directly intervene in the beef price crisis amid escalating court actions and wildcat protests outside processing facilities around the country.

With some protesters continuing to defy court injunctions some processors sought to obtain attachment and committal orders that could lead to farmers involved in protest action being arrested.

A wave of Independents were swept into power in the last general election. The country was in recovery mode.

Opposition TDs who have raised concerns around vaccinations have defended their actions.

Plans have been dropped to move 80 asylum seekers into a disused hotel in Rooskey, Co Leitrim.

The Government does not possess the political will to protect vulnerable homeowners from so-called vulture funds, it is claimed.

The so-called Planetary Health Diet is significantly healthier than the Business as Usual diet... a win for the planet, says Victoria White.

Independents are moving closer to securing the required numbers to get a candidate into the field for a potential presidential race to challenge Michael D Higgins.

President Michael D Higgins has sharply denied he timed his announcement to seek a second term in order to block other candidates from challenging him.

Doctors who are opposed to abortion will not be forced to dispense the abortion pill, according to Health Minister Simon Harris.

The head of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has hit out at “disgraceful and self-serving” rural politicians who, it is claimed, are delaying the passage of stricter drink- driving laws and therefore “costing lives”.

A pint and a half of beer “never made anyone drunk” the Dáil heard this evening during a debate on new road traffic laws.

You should all be ashamed of yourselves. All 32 of you.

The Government’s ambitious plan to transform the country is great in theory but rural Ireland must not be forgotten, writes Elaine O’Loughlin.

Fianna Fáil has accused Communications Minister Denis Naughten of acting like ‘ Comical Ali’ by refusing to allow an immediate review of the Government’s broadband plan because he believes it is still on track.

The Cabinet will hold a special meeting today to discuss “radical” alterations to its national development plan amid mounting criticism of it.

The Government’s plan for growth over the next two decades will “kill” rural Ireland and walk the country into “economic and social imbalance”, a coalition of TDs has warned.

The Government recouped just €3.2m from the sale of more than 40 Garda stations, a total described as “derisory”.

The issue of rural crime is to be debated in the Dáil today, with Fianna Fáil calling for tighter bail laws to tackle the issue.

A rural TD says elderly people should be allowed arm themselves with a taser gun and pepper spray.

Well done to the plain-talking rural representatives who warn that National Planning Framework Ireland 2040 proposals add up to abandoning people in the countryside.

Michael Ring, the Rural Affairs Minister, is understood to have launched a “ferocious” broadside at Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at last Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Introducing dried seaweed into a cow’s diet could greatly reduce emission levels.

An opposition Independent TD whose ongoing support is crucial to Leo Varadkar becoming taoiseach next week has said he has an "open mind" to potentially being offered a junior or full ministerial role in return for his help, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

The Dutch ship broker at the centre of the LÉ Aisling re-sale controversy said he is “testing the market” by seeking €683,000 for the former Irish naval ship he snapped up at public auction for just €110,000 two months ago.