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.