John Halligan of Independent Alliance walks out of govt talks; rural TDs' group split

Independent Alliance member John Halligan has pulled out of government formation talks, saying he will not back Enda Kenny or Micheal Martin's bids to become Taoiseach, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

The Waterford TD confirmed the move to the five other Alliance members, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil last night.