Fine Gael open to going into opposition

Fine Gael may consider going into opposition if it fails to win over more Independents than Fianna Fáil, despite Enda Kenny previously saying he will not back a minority Micheál Martin-led government.

However, a senior Fianna Fáil TD last night said his own party needs at least 12 of the 15 Independents available to form a credible minority government, a figure that is far from likely to occur.

The apparent race for opposition was indicated last night as Ireland’s two biggest parties finally sat down for talks, 44 days after the election.