Fine Gael aims to win support of rural Independents in bid to form government

Fine Gael will today attempt to gain the support of a group of five Independent TDs in its bid to form a government.

The loose alliance of rural TDs has drawn up a list of priorities for discussion with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and others.

They include demands to reverse cuts to EU-supported Leader programmes in rural areas, the need to improve broadband, repair roads, and a commitment to appoint a senior rural affairs minister.