Social Democrats to decide on whether to continue government formation talks

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan said it now looks 'increasingly likely' that independents would make up the third leg of a new coalition. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The Social Democrats are to meet today as the party prepares to set out its plans on whether to remain in talks to form the next government.

The party is set to hold a meeting of its parliamentary party at 10am today, which is expected to discuss their next steps and whether or not to continue with government formation talks.

TDs are expected to go over their previous meetings with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with one TD indicating that any decision on continuing or ending talks will be done by consensus.

One source said it was “possible” that the party could end their negotiations with the two parties, saying that the gap is getting narrower to reach a decision.

“Things will become clearer this week,” they added.

There has been a widespread expectation that the next government will be formed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and several independent TDs.

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan said it now looks “increasingly likely” that independents would make up the third leg of a new coalition.

He said that there has been “significant gaps” arising in policy during negotiations between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

However, one party source said that it seems “apparent” that neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael want to see the Social Democrats in government.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael don’t want to go into government with the Social Democrats,” one TD said, saying that the two have been briefing that the party was not ready for government.

TDs have repeatedly said that the party is serious about government, but have called for both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to engage with their five dealbreakers, which include a senior minister for disability.