The Daily Star Ireland
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are set to discuss the formation of a new government. These talks will also extend to Labour, the Social Democrats, and independent TDs in the coming days, with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael having already chosen their negotiation teams for coalition talks.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has reiterated her call for a meeting with Micheál Martin. Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week, McDonald emphasized her preference for a government excluding both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. She criticized Martin for allegedly dismissing the votes of over 400,000 Sinn Féin supporters and urged Fianna Fáil to decide whether they intend to reinstate Fine Gael in power. McDonald accused Martin of avoiding talks with Sinn Féin despite engaging with other parties and independents.
Previously, Martin has rejected the idea of a coalition with Sinn Féin, citing significant policy differences.
On Friday, Labour and the Social Democrats held discussions at Leinster House regarding the post-election scenario. Labour has advocated for a center-left platform to engage in coalition talks with the larger parties. However, Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan stated that his party would independently engage in discussions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The Dáil is scheduled to convene on December 18, but it remains uncertain whether a coalition government will be established by then.
