Party talks to focus on policy differences

TOP-LEVEL negotiations between the probable government partners are to focus on the main policy differences exposed during the campaign.

The parties disagree on when Ireland can realistically meet its commitment to get debt levels inside European targets, with Labour arguing it can delay the deadline by 12 months.

Fine Gael have suggested more cuts to social welfare, targeted at younger people who do not accept work, and reductions in child benefit with prop up supports for the families of the poorest 300,000 children.