Enda Kenny urged to open dialogue with Fianna Fáil

Enda Kenny has been urged in the first day of round table talks with Independents and smaller parties to open the lines of communication with Fianna Fáil as he attempts to form a government.

However, last night Fine Gael’s Leo Varadkar, who was involved in the talks, said Fine Gael has no plans to talk to Fianna Fáil despite the calls.

Negotiations at Government Buildings concluded after nine hours last night after Enda Kenny hosted round table talks with 17 TDs from smaller parties and Independent groups.

A document to guide discussions refers to eight main areas, including housing, rural affairs and the economy but the drawn-out talks only focused on housing during the first long meeting.

Mr Varadkar said: “To date Fianna Fáil, the Social Democrats, and Labour have said they don’t want to do that so obviously it makes sense that we should talk to the people who wish to enter into a partnership with us first.” Simon Harris, who also was involved in negotiations added: “It would be a rather peculiar way to do business if you talked first to those who don’t want to be in government with you and then go back and talk to those who do.” The talks continue on Tuesday ahead of the next vote for taoiseach on April 6, and a discussion document is understood to include a reference to “the future of the USC”.

Mr Varadkar said there was “no discussion at all on the USC or any tax issues today” adding “I am sure they will be discussed in due course.” This indicates that Fine Gael’s position on its election promise to abolish USC could soften. This would appeal to others such as the Social Democrats, who do not want the USC changed.

Sources in the Social Democrats say Fine Gael’s position on abolishing the USC was one of the major stumbling blocks for any talks on supporting a government.

TDs present yesterday indicated concern that no line of communication has been opened yet with Fianna Fáil, whose support for a minority government would be needed.

Green leader Eamon Ryan said Mr Kenny at the meeting was urged to make contact with Fianna Fáil. Mr Kenny said he would consider the request.

But TDs were “extremely frustrated” talks only focused on housing and not an overall plan for government.

“If that continues and this is the case going forward we could be here for months,” one TD said.

However, as they finished up, it was agreed they should be fast-tracked but Fine Gael sources do not believe agreement will be reached before April 6.

Meanwhile Independent TD Thomas Pringle has said he refused to take part in the talks as he was told by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney that water charges would not be abolished.