FG red-faced after Sargent pact snub

THE would-be alternative government was left in an embarrassing state last night after the Green Party turned down an invitation from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to start talks on a voting pact.

Adding to a fortnight of tensions between the opposition parties, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent was clearly at odds with Mr Kenny, saying it was premature to talk of pacts right now as it effectively let the Government off the hook.

Just a day after mooting a Fine Gael and Labour coalition government without the Greens, Mr Kenny was left with egg on his face after Mr Sargent turned down yesterday’s approach to open negotiations on a pre-election pact.