Coalition talks ‘after vote for taoiseach’

Senior Fine Gael ministers have suggested that talks on forming a government will begin in earnest with Fianna Fáil after tomorrow’s vote on nominating a taoiseach.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said yesterday that he did not expect any substantial deal to be agreed with any TDs or party ahead of the vote tomorrow. He said he then expected talks about forming a government to move onto Fianna Fáil.

His comments come after the Irish Examiner reported this week Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is willing to look at giving Fianna Fáil half the cabinet seats and to consider rotating the position of Taoiseach in any deal.

Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Mr Noonan confirmed that discussions involving Mr Kenny “would evolve” after Thursday into talks with Fianna Fáil. Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe also told RTÉ that “very likely” consideration would have to be given to an agreement with Fianna Fáil.

“There are many weeks ahead of us of this,” added the Dublin Central TD.

Mr Donohoe said talks with parties in general could not be rushed, otherwise it would be worse putting in place a government with no credibility. It was also possible to govern without Fianna Fáil, said the minister.

Mr Kenny yesterday held several talks with parties and Independent TDs. Health Minister Leo Varadkar described the outcome of the talks with Shane Ross and the Independence Alliance as “constructive” and “cordial”. This was despite the fact the alliance leader had called Mr Kenny a “potential political corpse” in a Sunday newspaper.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Varadkar said his party had responded to the alliance’s charter for change and discussed the group’s desire for reform of judicial and state board appointments. There was also a detailed discussion on agriculture and briefer exchanges over justice, health, flooding, and disability matters.

Fine Gael sources said the alliance has been asked to return with its view of implementing Fine Gael’s manifesto over the next year and for further talks over the next week. The alliance said the talks had gone through its charter in detail and both sides had agreed to exchange documents.

Elsewhere, Mr Kenny met Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae, who afterwards said the Taoiseach favoured the idea of a senior rural affairs minister in any new administration.

Mr Kenny also held talks with Galway East Independent TD Noel Grealish, who informed him he would not support him at tomorrow’s vote for taoiseach in the Dáil.

However, the TD added: ‘The Taoiseach is now preparing a list of proposed changes to Dáil structures, which will include more speaking time for all TDs and equal opportunities for all members to join committees.”

Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan also met Mr Kenny and discussed “priorities” for any new government, which included health, housing and tackling homelessness.

“The chat was about what is important for the future of the country,” she said.

The Social Democrats’ meeting with Mr Kenny was “constructive with broad agreement on the need for Dáil reform,” the party said.