Party leaders fail to rule out possibility of Fianna Fáil-Labour deal

The prospect of a future Fianna Fáil-Labour coalition has moved a step closer after both parties’ leaders declined to rule out striking a deal after the next general election.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Labour counterpart Joan Burton refused to reject the possibility yesterday, with Mr Martin saying “red line” issues on health, education and housing could make or break any future agreement.

Speaking a day after Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams sparked speculation over the make up of the next government by failing to specifically rule out a coalition with Fianna Fáil, Mr Martin and Ms Burton stressed joining forces with Sinn Féin will not happen regardless of their size in the polls.

However, when asked about the feasibility of a Fianna Fáil-Labour coalition after the general election, neither politician would rule out the plan. Mr Martin told the Irish Examiner“while we’ve made it clear we will not go into government with Sinn Féin and not with Fine Gael because they’re too conservative” — emphasising the fact the Sinn Féin issue is “the parliamentary party’s view, not mine alone” — the reality is “we’re open after that”.

He said as long as “certain red line issues are dealt with such as health, education, housing” various options will be considered, but stressed no decision has been made and “I personally think Labour will do badly”.

While repeatedly declining to state Fianna Fáil’s seat targets, he said “we want to be the lead party in government”.

Speaking at a separate event earlier in the day, Labour leader Ms Burton similarly rejected the possibility of her party joining a “grand coalition” involving Labour, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, saying “I don’t foresee any circumstances in which Labour would be involved in government with Sinn Féin”.

However, when asked if she would similarly categorically rule out joining forces with Fianna Fáil after the vote Ms Burton twice declined to say the option will not be considered, saying while she is “very confident this Government will be re-elected” ultimately “decisions around the election lie with voters”.

The latest polls show Fine Gael on 30%, Sinn Féin on 21%, Fianna Fáil on 19% and Labour on 7%.