Government will not be formed this week, say frustrated Independents

Independents have ruled out any government-formation deal being struck this week.

Even if Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil agree the parameters of a minority government, Independent TDs who have already taken part in negotiations will need time to pick through the document.

Members of the Independent Alliance, as well as a number of rural and non-aligned Independents, would have to be assured that their priorities are included and could request a second draft of a combined Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil document.