Greens emerge from coalition meeting

The makeup for a future coalition Government was still unclear this evening as Green Party representatives emerged from today’s meeting.

Asked if he thought a deal was likely, Party leader Trevor Sargeant said: “We have been looking at documents all day, and there is more research to do, so it’s too early to say.

“We never give up hope, but time is of the essence, so that’s why I’m going back to Leinster House to carry on the work.

“This work is very important, and it is important that it not be dictated to buy deadlines if possible, but naturally, there are limits.

“We are conscious that we have to work fast.

“We would like to reach an agreement, but that depends on everyone playing their part.”

Asked if he would be meeting with Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern, he responded: “I don’t know yet. I have to go to Leinster House and hopefully we can reach some agreements, but I have to meet with my negotiators first.

Earlier, Green Party negotiator Dan Boyle was in upbeat mood, saying that a few policy areas were discussed, and that he was hopeful a meeting between the two leaders could possibly lead to a breakthrough.

Green Party chairman John Gormely, who left after Boyle, showed less optimism, however.

“Contacts are being maintained,” he said. “I don’t know if we can get an agreement, I hope we can.”

“I think I told you last Thursday that I didn’t think an agreement was possible, and I don’t think so now.”

The Green Party's Dan Boyle is hopeful after negotioations with Fianna Fail saying: "There have been indications of progress".

However, John Gormley of the Green Party is more pessimistic: "I don't know, frankly, if we can get an agreement".

While Green Party leader Trevor Sargent takes a more cautious approach: "We would like to reach an agreement, but that depends on everyone playing their part."