‘Premature’ to talk about Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiations, says Varadkar

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said it is too “premature” to start talking about his party negotiating a government option with Fianna Fáil, as talks continue with other TDs this week.

Fine Gael ministers yesterday held their first meeting with five rural TDs who are pushing for development in constituencies and better facilities in return for supporting a government.

Mr Varadkar dismissed proposals to have Dáil debates on homelessness and other matters, in the absence of a new government being formed. A number of TDs have scheduled debates on issues for a one-day sitting next Tuesday.

He said it was a “load of rubbish” to have backbenchers trying to make decisions when there is a need for a government.

He told RTÉ it was “premature” to talk about government negotiations or deals with Fianna Fáil.

However, Richard Bruton, the acting jobs minister, has suggested that some “arrangement” would be needed with Fianna Fáil to form a government.

He said a “moral victory” is not a good enough reason to form a government after the next vote for taoiseach on April 6 and that, if needed, a third vote would be put to TDs.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney led negotiations for Fine Gael with five non-aligned TDs from rural communities. He also held further talks with the Independence Alliance.

The group of rural TDs want improvements in roads, broadband, and hospitals, in return for supporting a five-year government.

Speaking afterwards, one of the five, Denis Naughten, said: “If you’re going to sit down and talk with people, you have to build up trust. It’s our intention to try and bring about a stable government.”

The group will today meet Fianna Fáil negotiators.