Ahern and Harney set for partnership

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, confirmed in power by this week’s sweeping general election gains, was today poised for talks about forming a new coalition Government.

Left tantalisingly short of the country's first overall single-party parliamentary majority in a quarter of a century - possibly by as narrow a margin of just one seat - by Friday’s poll, Mr Ahern will have to find a partner in power.

And the chances are he will again turn to the Progressive Democrats, who have shored up Fianna Fail in office for the past five years.

Mr Ahern met briefly with PD leader and his Tanaiste, Mary Harney, when the pair were both at a function in Dublin Castle yesterday.

But there was no time for any discussions on a return to coalition. Mr Ahern reported: ‘‘We just congratulated each other and exchanged good wishes.

‘‘But I have no doubt that we will be talking again.’’

Mr Ahern went on to pay tribute to Ms Harney and the way they had worked together in Government.

He confirmed: ‘‘I have always said that coalition with the PDs was my preferred option for Government.

‘‘They have been my very honourable colleagues in Government. Our relationship has been very good. We worked very, and we are very proud of the Government we led for a record period in the history of this state.’’

Because of ongoing recounts, it will be middle of this week before the final make-up of the new parliament is crystalised. But, barring late surprises, the expectation is that Fianna Fail will not reach the 83 seat total necessary to ensure outnumbering all of the other parties.

Commenting separately, Ms Harney - whose party defied all the forecasts by increasing their parliamentary strength - appeared to echo the prospects of a Government new link-up with Fianna Fail.

She stressed, though, that Mr Ahern could still approach some of the large rump of 14 Independent members of the new Dail to secure their support. But she also said: ‘‘We will have to sit down and reflect on the results and see what is in the best interests of the country.

‘‘A lot depends on the outcome of the votes still being counted. We would not run away from government, but will would only be there if we thought we would have a meaningful role, and were genuinely in power having our policy agenda implemented.

‘‘The last Government worked extremely well and we ran the election as an independent party in Government.’’

:: The newly-elected 166-seat Dail will meet for the first time on June 6 to elect a Taoiseach.