FF-Green talks aim for ‘secure and sustainable Government’

Talks are underway at Government Buildings in Dublin between senior representatives of Fianna Fáil and the Greens aimed at securing a coalition deal between the two.

Ministers Brian Cowen, Seamus Brennan and Noel Dempsey are representing Fianna Fáil, while Dan Boyle, John Gormley and Donal Geoghegan are there for the Greens.

Speaking on his way into the talks, Green TD John Gormley said their ultimate aim was to negotiate a programme for Government “that has stability and sustainability at its core”.

The Greens said they were entering the talks in good faith and that neither party would be speaking to anyone else during the coming days.

The two sides will be using the meetings to see if there is enough common ground between them to strike a coalition deal.

If an agreement is reached, the Green Party membership is expected to meet next weekend to vote on the plans.

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