Independent Alliance and Fine Gael still at odds over policies

Divisions over the health crisis, political reform, rail links, State appointments, and agriculture still threaten to derail talks between the Independent Alliance and Fine Gael about forming a Government.

Talks ended last night without agreement with a “number of roadblocks” remaining to be resolved.

It is understood that there was a “full and frank” meeting yesterday morning between the two sides over cardiac services at Waterford Hospital.