Micheál Martin aiming to select coalition partners with 'backbone'

Fianna Fáil leader warned previous negotiations took too long but he does not believe a government will be in place before Christmas

Justice Minister Helen McEntee with Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Farmleigh. Picture: Leah Farrell

The Fianna Fáil leader will be selecting coalition partners based on who he thinks has the "backbone" to stay in government for a full term.

Micheál Martin has warned that previous negotiations took too long and some who engaged in discussions were not serious.