Seán Haughey: Fine Gael in driving seat in race for power

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny may make contact with Fianna Fáil rival Micheál Martin next week in a bid to end the month-long political stalemate on the nomination vote of the next Taoiseach.

The vote is due to take place again on April 6.

Senior Fine Gael figures close to its negotiation team said an imminent discussion is now likely as a Fianna Fáil TD admitted the government party is “in the driving seat” in the race for power.

Enda Kenny

Speaking after caretaker Taoiseach Mr Kenny used what is expected to be his most substantial Easter Rising weekend speech to strongly hint at the need for parties for work together, Fianna Fáil’s Seán Haughey said his party may have to support a minority government.

And while Fianna Fáil’s official position is that it is continuing to try to lead its own minority administration, Fine Gael believes if further talks with Independents and smaller parties on Tuesday and Wednesday go to plan, Mr Kenny will contact Mr Martin late next week to form a minority government on April 6.

The position contradicts Fianna Fáil’s official public belief it is still in contention in the race for power — an issue that saw Mr Martin meet with five rural TDs on Wednesday evening and organise talks with the Independent Alliance next week.

However, in recent days, there has been a growing acceptance Fine Gael is now in control of the government formation battle, with Fianna Fáil figures saying they expect to be asked to enter “serious negotiations” in the coming days.

Micheál Martin

Dublin Bay North TD Mr Haughey yesterday admitted the government party is “in the driving seat”.

While stressing Mr Martin and his party’s negotiation team “are still involved in negotiations”, he said that a process was unfolding.

Mr Haughey said he time was coming and there had to be some form of communication” between Ireland’s two largest political parties.

He warned that “the public are becoming impatient”.

The Fianna Fáil TD said: “At the end of the day people want stability, so at some stage there will have to be discussion with [Fine Gael and] Fianna Fáil.”