Mounting calls for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to begin talks

Smaller parties and Independent TDs have rowed in behind calls for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to begin negotiating government formation options — warning it is otherwise difficult to support either party.

Green leader Eamon Ryan said any government option required the two to make a deal, while Independent Maureen O’Sullivan said it was problematic supporting either side without them talking to each other.

The warnings come after Independent Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten, the putative leader of a group of rural TDs, this week said it was “irresponsible” of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil not to talk as any type of government cannot be formed without at least the other’s consent.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are separately expected to continue talks with smaller parties and Independent TDs this week as both bid to get the most support for a vote for taoiseach on April 6.

Fianna Fáil have circulated a “mini-manifesto” to TDs, which commits the party to tackling housing, Oireachtas reform and establishing new senior ministerial posts, including for climate change and rural affairs. Fine Gael wants to maximise support for a rainbow-type coalition, to include various non-party TDs who would be offered cabinet positions, similar to the 1948 inter-state government.

Green leader Eamon Ryan said he expected further government formation talks with either party later this week. He added: “Even if it is a minority or a rainbow government, they are going to need to talk to each other.”

Maureen O’Sullivan, who has already spoken to both parties, said: “It doesn’t make sense that the two biggest parties haven’t spoken to each other. What game are they at?”

Former tánaiste Mary Coughlan yesterday warned there could be another general election on the way. She criticised smaller parties and independents who, she said, had no interest in being part of government.

She said a grand coalition would never get the backing of ordinary Fianna Fáil members: “I don’t believe that Fianna Fáil members would support a coalition with Fine Gael. Mícheál Martin would not get support for that at an ardfheis.”

Meanwhile, several former Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Féin, and Fianna Fáil TDs who lost seats in the general election are running for the Seanad, according to a list of nominations released yesterday.

A list of candidates competing under the five panels includes former minister Paudie Coffey, former Oireachtas committee chairman Jerry Buttimer and former Fine Gael TDs Noel Coonan, James Bannon, Tony Lawlor and Joe O’Reilly. Former Labour ministers Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Ged Nash and Kevin Humphreys are also running, as are former Fianna Fáil TD Colm Keaveney and Sinn Féin’s Padraig Mac Lochlain.

Polls for the Seanad elections take place at the end of next month.