Harney to start Government talks

PD leader Mary Harney has said she has been given a mandate by her party to start negotiations with Fianna Fail on the possibility of returning to Government.

The decision came during a two-hour meeting of the party's eight TDs at Leinster House this afternoon.

Earlier, Mary Harney had said that opinion was divided among the new deputies on whether to pursue a coalition arrangement with Fianna Fail, or to develop as a party in opposition.

A statement after the meeting read: "The parliamentary party regards the outcome of the election as a clear mandate for the formation of a coalition Government."