First signs of government as Enda Kenny makes historic power sharing offer to Micheál Martin

The first signs of a new government emerged last night as Enda Kenny made an historic offer to Micheál Martin of an “equal partnership” in power.

The first face-to-face talks between the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders came after the Dáil again failed to elect a taoiseach and postponed the next vote until next Thursday.

But in a significant development last night, Mr Kenny made an historic offer of forming a government to Mr Martin involving a coalition between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independents. He also told Mr Martin that a minority government “would not work”, a Fianna Fáil spokesman confirmed.