Social Democrats to decide future by end of week as Independents set out Government formation stall
The Social Democrat's leadership, including Cian O’Callaghan, Gary Gannon and Jennifer Whitmore, met Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris in separate meetings in Government Buildings on Wednesday.
The Social Democrats will decide by the end of the week if it will continue talks to enter government.
The party’s leadership, including Cian O’Callaghan, Gary Gannon and Jennifer Whitmore, met Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris in separate meetings in Government Buildings on Wednesday.
This comes as senior government sources told the Irish Mirror that a government is expected to be formed by either January 15 or 22.
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The Social Democrats’ parliamentary party will meet in Leinster House on Thursday to discuss the meeting held with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Mr O’Callaghan said there were “detailed discussions on a number of areas” with Mr Martin, Mr Harris and their teams.
He said: “Good discussion there on climate, with very good discussion on housing, around disability issues, on health care and, indeed, on child care.”
He also said there was “some interest” in the party’s proposals for a dedicated Minister for Disabilities, but there were “challenging” discussions on climate.
Mr O’Callaghan stated that the party will decide whether to continue government formation talks before the end of the week.
It is now highly unlikely that the Social Democrats will become the third party in government, with independents most likely to take up the position.
The Regional Group announced that following a meeting yesterday [weds], the group formally agreed to nominate Wexford TD Verona Murphy for the position of Ceann Comhairle.
“Her nomination marks a significant milestone in the political landscape and will further reflect the necessity for inclusivity and diversity in Dáil Éireann,” a spokesperson said.
“We appeal to all Members of the Dáil to recognise that this is an opportunity to promote gender equality in Irish politics.”
The regional group’s co-ordinator Michael Lowry has been in contact with the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, requesting their party's support for Ms Ms Murphy’s election.
He will also meet Fine Gael chief negotiator Helen McEntee and Fianna Fáil’s chief negotiator Jack Chambers early next week to “discuss and agree the structure and parameters for the group’s engagement in Government formation talks”.
The Regional Group also stated that they have accepted a request from Carol Nolan to join the technical group.
On his way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said on Wednesday that it appeared to him that independents were “very serious” about being a part of government.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s negotiating teams also met for the first time yesterday afternoon [weds] in Government Buildings.
A joint statement from the two parties described the meetings as a “positive and constructive initial discussion on the future Programme for Government”.
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