FF and Greens begin 'exploratory talks' later

Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are holding exploratory talks today on the formation of a coalition Government.

In a statement issued by the Greens yesterday, the party said they sincerely hope that these talks can bring about "a stable government and a sustainable future for the country".

The statement came after the party's National Executive Committee endorsed leader Trevor Sargent's recommendation to explore the possibility of a coalition deal with Fianna Fáil.

The two parties exchanged documents on Friday outlining areas where their policies are compatible and where negotiations would be necessary to strike a deal.

Fianna Fáil will be represented at the talks by Ministers Brian Cowen, Seamus Brennan and Noel Dempsey, while the Green delegation will be made up of John Gormley, Dan Boyle and the party's General Secretary Donal Geoghegan.

John Gormley speaks before entering Government Buildings as the Green party and Fianna Fáil begin exploratory talks.