Independent TDs may vote against main party leaders bid for Taoiseach

Deeply frustrated Independent TDs will decide this morning whether to vote against Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin’s bids to become taoiseach rather than abstain as previously expected.

Such is the anger after weeks of talks over Fine Gael’s “cut-and-paste” proposal document and claims Fianna Fáil has yet to ask them formally for support, Independents last night said they may vote against the would-be leaders to make their annoyance known.

The potential move would not impact on the overall result of today’s Dáil taoiseach nomination vote as it will not reduce the tally for either Mr Kenny or Mr Martin — who will finally meet this evening to begin a key stage of government formation talks, as Fine Gael acting Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said last night that his party is willing to look at “the affordability” of water bills in any discussions.