Fianna Fáil - Fine Gael government after election, former Minister claims

A former Fianna Fáil Minister said he thinks the next government will be a coalition between his party and Fine Gael.

Pat Carey says he has been of that view since 2011.

He also claimed the marriage equality debate would be better served if political parties stayed out of it.

It is reported today that Fianna Fáil is aiming to double its current 20 seats in the next election, targeting constituencies outside Dublin.

Former Minister for Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht affairs, Pat Carey, said he expects the public to vote for a Fianna Fáil - Fine Gael coalition.

"The next Government is very likely to be a Fianna Fáil - Fine Gael one – that's my own personal view," he said.

"I have a sense that may well be what a lot of public will vote for – they mightn't do it consciously, but they'll be looking at what the alternatives are."

Mr Carey, speaking to a Fianna Fáil meeting on Wednesday and reported in The Irish Times today, also said - as a gay man - he is worried the marriage equality referendum will not pass, and is urging his party to do more.

Speaking on Leo Varadkar's announcement that he is gay, Carey said: “My only regret is that I didn’t have the courage or confidence to do what he did. When I look back it’s an awful pity I didn’t feel able to do that. Nobody stopped me, but I wasn’t sure how it would be received.”