Fianna Fáil sounds out partners

DISCUSSIONS between Fianna Fáil and its potential partners in government will not begin in earnest until later this week, although soundings were taken from independents yesterday, the Irish Examiner understands.

Fine Gael says leader Enda Kenny can still forge an alternative alliance.

His spokesman agreed it was not the ‘odds-on favourite’ coalition, but pointed out that the three Rainbow parties had 77 seats compared to Fianna Fáil’s 78 seats.

Such an arrangement would need the support of the two PD TDs as well as four independents.

“It is doable. The fact of the matter is that we need to recalibrate the assessment. Everybody is putting the PDs into the FF column but the PDs have yet to make a decision.”

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil staff and advisers are this week examining the policies and manifestos of the parties and individuals whom may be approached.

Here is the latest position of the central players:

Fianna Fáil

Preliminary discussions have been held. Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen will meet this week to discuss options. Ahern says preferred option is PDs plus ‘like-minded independents’, and then Greens. Another option could be FF with the Greens and PDs.

Fine Gael

The Rainbow, with 77 seats, will require the support of the PDs plus four independents. Neither of the FF gene pool TDs, Beverly Flynn and Jackie Healy-Rae have ruled FG out. Enda Kenny returns to Dublin from Mayo tomorrow to discuss options with senior colleagues. Party has already made contacts with all potential partners, except the PDs.

Labour

Pat Rabbitte has said he believes Mr Ahern will be Taoiseach. Will not “lead Labour into coalition” with FF.

Greens Party’s leading members say it is time for Government. They know FF will negotiate from a position of strength. Might even be willing to accommodate the PDs. There may be difficulties with Mahon and persuading members of a ‘fit’ with FF. No contacts with FF yet.

Jackie Healy Rae South Kerry TD contacted by FG but not FF yet. Called for ‘balanced regional development’ on Radio Kerry yesterday, a code for investment in his constituency.

Beverly Flynn said before the election that she might nominate fellow Mayo TD Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. She was expelled from FF. RTÉ has begun proceedings to recover the €1.5m she owes, putting doubts over her political future.

Tony Gregory has been mentioned as a possible Ceann Comhairle. Said yesterday he believed speculation was a smokescreen and FF’s real motivation was a coalition with Labour.

Finian McGrath has spelled out a number of demands. But has also said that he would honour any agreement for full five years.

Michael Lowry. A former Fine Gael minister. Expected to extract a tough deal for Tipperary.

The Progressive Democrats. With just two TDs, party’s survival wholly dependent on return to Government.