Party leaders to meet today as government talks stall again

Government formation talks stalled for the second time in days last night amid growing concern “fundamental” disagreements over water, housing, education and rural issues cannot be resolved.

Acting taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin last night held a phone call in an attempt to find a solution to the growing crisis and committed to speaking again today.

Despite claims on Thursday from Fine Gael acting agriculture minister Simon Coveney a deal could be agreed by today, the crucial government formation talks hit a major roadblock yesterday. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s negotiating teams emerged just before 6pm last night to say they have hit another stand-still.