The Daily Star Ireland
Labour leader Ivana Bacik emphasized her intent to first engage with smaller left-wing parties to establish a unified negotiating platform for forming a government. Bacik expressed enthusiasm about achieving change through collective efforts. Today, she will meet Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman, and tomorrow, Labour will have discussions with the Social Democrats, who are also scheduled to meet with Sinn Féin to explore options.
Bacik confirmed brief conversations with leaders of the three larger parties—Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin—informing them of her initial focus on smaller parties, with detailed discussions planned for next week. She celebrated Labour’s success in securing 11 TDs, seven of whom are new, and acknowledged a range of views within the party regarding entering government, which will be discussed at a parliamentary party meeting.
When asked if Labour could enter a coalition without the Social Democrats, Bacik didn’t rule it out but stressed that the party is currently focused on agreeing on a common negotiating platform.
Martin and Harris to Discuss Government Formation in Edinburgh
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are set to discuss government formation at the British-Irish Council meeting in Edinburgh. As they progress towards talks on forming a government, independent TDs are their most likely partners. The newly formed Regional Group has appointed Michael Lowry as the contact point for discussions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders. The group includes Lowry, Seán Canney, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole, and Verona Murphy. Martin expressed optimism about initial conversations with some Independent TDs.
The Dáil is scheduled to meet on 18 December, but a government is not expected to be in place by then. Harris has appointed a team, led by deputy leader Helen McEntee, to engage in talks with other parties and deputies on forming the next administration. This team includes deputies Paschal Donohoe, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Martin Heydon, John Cummins, and John Paul O’Shea. Fine Gael stated that Harris has had preliminary and serious discussions with Fianna Fáil, Labour, the Social Democrats, and several independent TDs.
Ó Fearghaíl to Seek Third Term as Ceann Comhairle
When the Dáil reconvenes, a new Ceann Comhairle will need to be elected. Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl will seek re-election, having been approached by TDs from various political backgrounds to consider retaining the role. Ó Fearghaíl, who was first elected as Ceann Comhairle in 2016 and re-elected following the 2020 General Election, aims to provide stability and continuity. He was automatically re-elected to the Dáil for the Kildare South constituency in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
Social Democrats’ Position on Government Participation
Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan announced the party’s meetings with Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and Fine Gael, as well as a request to meet with Fianna Fáil. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, O’Callaghan emphasized the need for a change in direction in areas such as disability, housing, healthcare, and childcare. He expressed the party’s willingness to join the government if significant changes in these areas are possible, with discussions expected to clarify their position in the coming days.
Fianna Fáil’s James Lawless, also speaking on Morning Ireland, highlighted the importance of finding common ground and moving forward. Re-elected in Kildare North, Lawless stated that his party is open to suggestions and input from potential partners, aiming to ensure their policy principles are reciprocated while considering other parties’ proposals.
