Parties at odds over four key areas

THE Greens cited “insurmountable differences” in four key areas for the breakdown in talks — climate change, education, health and government reform.

“In each of these areas, substantial blockages still remain,” party leader Trevor Sargent said at a press conference in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. “Because of this, the party does not believe it could enter Government and stand over the policy proposals.”

But the party sent outdecidedly mixed signals during the press conference, which was held just before 6pm — approximately an hour after the talks had ended. While citing the “insurmountable differences”, Mr Sargent did not rule out further talks.