Shorthall: Still quite a way to go in coalition talks

The Labour Party says it remains to be seen if a deal can be done with Fine Gael.

Both sides are meeting at Government Buildings this afternoon, on the formation of new coalition Government.

“There’s still quite a way to go and it remains to be see whether we can reach agreement,” said Labour's Roisín Shorthall.

“There’s a big challenge there obviously for both parties and both parties are very mindful of the big difficulties facing the country and the need for a stable Government.”

Both parties are at odds over the timeframe for getting the country's finances back on track, as well as public-sector cuts, water charges and tackling bondholders.

A deadline of the weekend looms, with the Labour Party expected to hold a special conference on Sunday to rubber-stamp any deal.