Rural TDs backing Enda Kenny

Enda Kenny is closing the gap on efforts to become Taoiseach after a group of rural TDs threw their support behind Fine Gael’s attempts to negotiate a programme for government.

He is also trying to get multiple parties to sit down tomorrow in the first large- scale meeting of Independents, smaller parties and Fine Gael over forming a rainbow government.

The Independents, comprising Denis Naughten, Mattie McGrath, Noel Grealish, Michael Harty, and Michael Collins will today hammer out policies for a programme for government over a lunch with Mr Kenny and his team.