Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil admit they will discuss government options

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have, for the first time, conceded that talks between the parties over government options are likely as fresh efforts get under way to win the support of TDs.

Any negotiations between the two largest parties in the Dáil still look far off, with no sign of a government being formed any time soon.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton was the first Fine Gael minister to yesterday admit that “some level of arrangement” would be needed with Fianna Fáil so that a government is not continually looking over its shoulder.