Independent TDs may hold the key to government formation

Two groups of independent TDs will decide next week whether to support a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party government.

The group of eight regional TDs - Cathal Berry, Sean Canney, Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Verona Murphy, Denis Naughten and Matt Shanahan - held what they called a "constructive" meeting with the leaders of the three parties on Thursday, but will decide on whether or not to support the three parties next week when they see the Programme for Government.