Government talks: Fianna Fáil sets Fine Gael target of 8 non-party TDs

Fianna Fáil will not agree to a Fine Gael-led minority government unless Enda Kenny’s party secures the support of at least seven non-party TDs.

The opposition party’s TDs and senators agreed to the move at a lengthy parliamentary party meeting last night, saying it will be impossible to “facilitate” a minority government that has the support of less than 58 TDs.

The decision, which puts new pressure on Fine Gael as another Dáil taoiseach nomination vote looms, was made last night as Fianna Fáil members also agreed to back leader Micheál Martin’s stance that a Fine Gael-led minority government is now the only option to prevent a second election.

The party said it will “facilitate” such a government, but insisted this is different to “supporting” Fine Gael.

During an at times heated meeting — which is believed to have involved chief negotiator Michael McGrath challenge Mr Martin over ruling out a coalition — the party also agreed that Fianna Fáil policies must be implemented in return for allowing a Fine Gael government.

This, health spokesperson Billy Kelleher said, will be needed in order to prevent Fianna Fáil TDs being besieged by protesters outside their doors over any deal.

Dara Calleary, Marc Mac Sharry, and Fiona O Loughlin, among others, are understood to have called for a “bland” written agreement to be signed with Fine Gael on how such an arrangement would work.

However, it is understood this plan — which contradicts the party’s formal refusal to consider a written document and has yet to be agreed - would be strictly limited to the functioning of Dáil votes and will not include any commitment to the length the government stays in office.

On RTÉ Prime Time last night, finance spokesman and chief negotiator Michael McGrath said his party will “facilitate” Fine Gael, but stressed Enda Kenny’s party will not “dictate” terms.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Mr Martin’s ‘now or never threat’ to Independents saw his party lose support from as many as eight unaligned TDs.

It is claimed at least eight votes were lost for Fianna Fáil, including those of Mattie McGrath, Michael Collins, John Halligan, Shane Ross, Michael Healy-Rae, and Danny Healy-Rae.

The rowing back after Mr Martin’s remarks ended any hopes of closing the gap on Mr Kenny in yesterday’s taoiseach nomination vote.