Government formation talks to continue over weekend in a bid to meet fast-approaching deadline 

It is hoped that much of the agreement will be reached before a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, though sources have said that this would make electing a Taoiseach when the Dáil returns on January 22 'too tight

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin. Talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are said to be progressing smoothly, with some discussions on Friday centering on justice. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Government formation talks will continue through the weekend in a bid to meet a fast-approaching deadline, with independent TD Michael Lowry saying he does not pose an impediment to the negotiations.

Discussions intensified as agreement was reached in principle on a number of issues between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and the regional group of independents.