Micheál Martin's chances of being elected Taoiseach increase after 'intensive' talks

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael worked across the weekend and conducted two sessions of talks with Regional Independents in a bid to put a policy programme in place within the next two days

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the BT Young Scientist Competition at the RDS on Thursday. Picture: Cillian Sherlock/PA

The prospect of Micheál Martin being elected Taoiseach for a second time has increased following an "intensive" weekend of talks on forming a government.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiating teams worked across the weekend on a number of issues, as well as conducting two sessions of talks with Regional Independents in a bid to have the policy aspects of a programme for government settled within the next two days.