More talks on coalition government

A third day of talks between Fianna Fáil and the Green Party about forming a coalition government will get under way today in Dublin.

The parties have already exchanged policy documents and during several hours of negotiations at Government Buildings discussed the economy, social welfare reforms, agriculture and the arts.

Further papers and proposals for government are to be exchanged as the talks intensify.

Both sides said meetings have been constructive but refused to be drawn on speculation that space in a so-called grand coalition was being set aside for the PDs and a handful of independents.

Independent TDs Michael Lowry, Jackie Healy Rae and Beverly Cooper Flynn are already believed to have lent their support to the plan.

But both Fianna Fáil and the Greens insist many issues have yet to be dealt with in the negotiations.

Talks are expected to last several days with the Greens believed to be keen to have proposals to put to party members over the weekend.

The Dáil is due to sit again on June 14 when a vote is to be taken on the next Taoiseach.

Fianna Fáil deputy leader and Finance Minister Brian Cowen is heading up his party’s team along with ministers Seamus Brennan and Noel Dempsey at the talks in Government Buildings.

Green Party chairman John Gormley, ex-TD Dan Boyle and Donall Geoghegan, the party’s general secretary, are negotiating for the would-be junior government partners.