Controversial Fianna Fáil TD Dr Jim McDaid last night reportedly threatened not to support a government formed by Bertie Ahern.
Dr McDaid, who retained his seat Donegal North East in the election despite heavy pressure from two other sitting Fianna Fáil TDs, said his party had given him no support during the campaign.
The Taoiseach has authorised contacts with the PDs, Greens and independents as he seeks to make up a working majority in the Dáil.
However, with 77 seats and needing a minimum of 83, Mr McDaid's loss would make Mr Ahern's talks more awkward and potentially offer Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny the prospect of an unexpected vote as he seeks to make up the numbers to form an alternative government.
Dr McDaid told today's Irish Independent: "I owe them nothing . . . Fianna Fáil gave me no support whatever. I was treated as an independent deputy, and everyone knows that."
The Irish Timestoday reports that the Green Party will submit a position paper to Fianna Fáil in the coming days outlining its conditions for entering government. It includes the imposition of a carbon tax and an end to corporate donations.
Although elected Green TDs did not sign a letter organised by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance and Irish Anti-War Movement demanding the withdrawal of permission for the US military to fly through Shannon, a number of its members did.
The issue could cause Mr Ahern problems in talks with independents as both Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath signed the letter.
Mr McGrath initially indicated the matter would come into neogtiations with Fianna Fáil, but he later said it would not be a deal-breaker. Mr Ahern is opposed to ending the US military's use of Shannon.