Fine Gael still aiming to hold vote for Taoiseach this week

An overnight deal was last night being worked on with Independents as Fine Gael put pressure on TDs to form a government this week.

The Independent Alliance has secured major concessions on agriculture, health, as well as rail and road links, as a government deal neared conclusion.

The rural Independent group has received commitments on farm payments and a review of home help services.

Fine Gael officials worked through the night on drafting a tri-party programme for government which will be presented to all Independent TDs at 10am today.

The Independent Alliance and the five rural TDs had separate meetings with Fine Gael negotiators throughout yesterday — which carried on late into the night — in Government Buildings.

Michael Healy-Rae joined the group of rural Independents in talks, while individual TDs held meetings with ministers on specific issues.

One Independent last night said Fine Gael were still aiming for a vote for Taoiseach this evening or tomorrow.

Last night, a Fine Gael source said: “I think mid-morning [today] will be when we see some sort of clarity.”

However, one Independent remained adamant last night that they would not be rushing through any document.

“We have told them a couple of times that if they push us too hard, they will be pushing an empty train.”

It is understood Finian McGrath secured more funding for elderly home care packages while rural TDs received promises on a full review on home help services.

Shane Ross met Frances Fitzgerald and Michael Noonan for at least four hours yesterday on the issue of state and judicial appointments. However, little progress was made.

Legal teams on behalf of both sides met in a bid to breach the impasse but to no avail.

Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Michael Fitzmaurice held separate talks on turf cutting, and it is understood there were major wins in this area.

John Halligan also had a meeting to discuss cardiac care in the South-East, which has been a major issue for him from the very start of government formation talks.

Discussions around reopening garda stations were also central to negotiations.

Last night, one Independent said there had been “wins and losses” on both sides.

It is understood the rural Independent TDs received commitments to tackle the way farm grants are paid to help smaller farms. Fine Gael promised they would fight in Europe to reduce the top CAP payments from around €150,000 to €100,000 and redistribute these funds to smaller farmers.

Katherine Zappone is understood to have already secured a number of commitments after she previously backed Enda Kenny’s nomination for Taoiseach.