Labour pulls out of government formation talks as Simon Harris weighs in on rumours
The Labour Parliamentary Party met in Leinster House on Thursday to discuss party leader Ivana Bacik’s meetings with the big leaders
The Labour Party has pulled out of government formation talks but insisted they were serious about entering a coalition.
It comes following several weeks of meetings with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The party has also met separately with Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats.
The Labour Parliamentary Party met in Leinster House on Thursday to discuss party leader Ivana Bacik’s meetings with the big leaders.
READ MORE: Excitement, nerves and protestors as new TDs join 34th Dáil
Speaking afterwards, Ms Bacik admitted there was too big a gulf between her party, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael.
"Following the engagements we've had, I formed the assessment that it is not possible for us to enter any negotiations on government formation," she said.
"What we had with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael was exploratory discussion on policies with a view to seeing if there would be any premise or basis for entering negotiations.
"But as I had said last week and very clearly outlined, there is a policy gulf between us.
"There is a divide in our vision of what the future can be, of the future for the state. In particular, our Labour vision that we articulated throughout the election campaign.
"That vision is for an active state, a State that is funded properly, that is not built on a narrowing tax base, but that is a state that can expand to deliver homes directly through a State Construction Company, that can deliver publicly provided childcare system, that can build schools and hospitals and ensure safe staffing in our healthcare system, and being sure also that we take the urgent actions necessary to deliver on our climate targets.
"That vision, we do not see as possible to be implemented by going into coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael."
Ms Bacik stated, however, that Labour is still committed to creating a "centre-left common platform" that can be "built to the point where we see a centre-left-led government."
She also stated several times that Fianna Fáil appeared more reluctant than Fine Gael to enter power with Labour.
This included discussion on matters such as a publicly provided system of childcare and a state construction company.
Asked by the Irish Mirror if she believed Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil ever wanted Labour in Government, Ms Bacik said: "Given the numerical difference, given the fact that Fianna Fáil came back with more seats, Fine Gael may have wanted us more, perhaps, than Fianna Fáil did.
"The reality was that we were all clear that we needed to be sure, to be convinced and persuaded that we would be able to implement our policies by going into government.
"We just haven’t reached that point."
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris declined to get involved in government formation talks with the media in Brussels.
Following suggestions he is eyeing up a stint as Foreign Affairs Minister, he said that he "just can’t answer that yet".
He said: "I read lots of speculation in lots of newspapers about which individual Fine Gael politician may take up which ministry.
"I have to tell you, much to the disappointment of those who engage in the speculation, all of our priority at the moment is on the policy platform.
"I'm in politics long enough, and I'm in government long enough to know now what goes into the programme for government really matters."
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
