Ahern/Harney tell negotiators to continue coalition talks

Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern and Progressive Democrats leader Mary Harney have still not reached agreement on the outstanding issues preventing the formation of a coalition Government.

The pair met for two hours this morning to discuss the situation after their negotiating teams failed to reach agreement in five or six crucial areas during talks this week.

Mr Ahern and Ms Harney have now instructed their negotiators to continue working on a draft document over the weekend, with a view to reaching an agreement by Monday.

The controversial National Stadium project is believed to one of the main issues of contention dividing the two parties.