Government formation talks - No deal thus far a cause for alarm

Like the tide, the prospect of Fine Gael forming a minority government by Thursday, a deadline set more in hope than in stone by Simon Coveney, receded before talks had even begun yesterday morning between Fine Gael ministers and a group of six Independent TDs whose votes are vital to prop up the tottering party. 

Similarly, any likelihood has faded of a vote when the Dáil resumes tomorrow that would realise Enda Kenny’s ambition of making history as the first Fine Gael Taoiseach to lead successive administrations, a distinction which he seems sure to achieve sooner or later.

The latest obstacle overshadowing these negotiations was erected by Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, a member of the Independent Alliance, who refused to put a time limit on the talks, dashing cold water on Fine Gael hopes of wrapping up an early deal for votes and a stable minority government facilitated by Fianna Fáil. Seemingly, after clinching a presumed deal with Independent TDs, the Fine Gael plan was to negotiate a separate voting arrangement with rural TDs.