Fianna Fáil dismisses threat of new election

Fianna Fáil is dismissing Fine Gael threats of another election after government formation talks stalled, and is instead hinting the party may support a Dáil vote opposing water charges.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin yesterday predicted a deal for a minority government could be agreed early this week, despite both sides refusing to compromise on water charges. Fine Gael sources though, are pessimistic, and suggested talks might go through to next week.

Tomorrow will mark 60 days since the general election. Fine Gael’s national executive met on Saturday in Portlaoise, where preparations for a second election were briefly discussed.