Fifth Fianna Fáil ceann comhairle contender

A number of senior Fianna Fáil TDs believe real talks on forming a government will only begin after Thursday, when the first attempt to elect a taoiseach is made.

It comes as Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness added his name to the list of Fianna Fáil TDs hoping to be nominated for the sought-after ceann comhairle position.

Although party leader Micheál Martin has been making contact with smaller parties and Independents, senior party members including finance spokesman Michael McGrath believe proper discussions will not begin until late next week.