Independent Alliance denies split over coalition talks

The Independent Alliance has denied there is any split in the grouping over entering Government.

The six TDs are said to be at odds over forming a Government with Fine Gael.

It is understood Dublin Rathdown TD Shane Ross and Waterford TD John Halligan are said to be leaning towards not making an agreement with the largest party in the Dáil.

Speaking on their way into a meeting with the party Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice claimed the divide was a figment of the media's imagination.

He said: “If there was a split, would the six people be here this morning? It is just the media trying to play their own games.”

Longford/Westmeath TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said the alliance was united on their position.

He said: “There is no split. We are all together as one. It is a united front.”

It is understood a number of the TDs in the Independent Alliance are willing to align themselves with the rural deputies headed by Denis Naughten and enter Government with Fine Gael.

However, two of the leading figures in Mr Ross and Mr Halligan are said to be against that move.

Mr Ross also denied his column in the Sunday Independent should hinder any Government negotiations.

Asked about concerns that he would use the paper to outline policy positions Mr Ross said: “They would be completely wrong. I have never divulged any confidential information in any Sunday newspaper column.”