Fine Gael focus on eight Independent TDs in bid to hammer out deal

Fine Gael are now narrowing their focus onto just eight Independent TDs to hammer out a minority government deal.

The move comes as Finian McGrath of the Independent Alliance demanded that six of the 15 cabinet positions should be given to Independents and others as part of any government formation deal.

Fine Gael received the support of both Michael Lowry and Katherine Zappone during Thursday’s Taoiseach’s nomination, bringing their support to 52 TDs.