Ryan: Cross-party approach 'actually worked'

The Green Party is reiterating that the country needs some form of unity government.

With speculation on the date of a general election continuing, former Green Minister Eamon Ryan has said he believes Irish politics has seen positive developments in recent days.

Deputy Ryan said the multi-party initiative which resulted in a deal yesterday on a schedule for passing the Finance Bill is the way the country should be progressing.

"It actually worked," he said.

"We were able to order our business in a way that brings back some hope in the Irish public that the Irish political system can actually do its job."