Independents mull opting out of talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael

Furious Independent TDs may now not engage in any more talks with either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil.

The 15 Independent TDs, who had been involved in intensive government formation negotiations over the past two weeks, had called for meaningful discussions between Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin.

However, last night a number of Independents said they may now not re-enter talks, pushing the possibility of another election even closer, after a 10-minute meeting between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ended in stalemate.