Micheál Martin makes contact with Joan Burton as talks continue

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Labour leader Joan Burton met

yesterday evening as talks on government formation continue, but Labour has ruled out involvement in any new administration.

The pair’s hour-long conversation was described by a Labour source as very cordial and wide-ranging, with “no commitments sought or given”.

Earlier, Willie Penrose TD chaired Labour’s first parliamentary party meeting since 25 seats were lost in the election. It was announced defeated Labour candidates will meet with TDs and Senators in Dublin next Wednesday.

“Members of the parliamentary Labour Party today agreed that the party would not be involved in the formation of the next government, and that the party would not be a member of the next government,” Mr Penrose said yesterday.

Stability

“When it comes to voting for a taoiseach we will listen to what the various candidates have to say in terms of the package they put to the Dáil, the stability of any arrangement being put forward and the programme for government proposed.

“On that basis, we will determine whether we should vote for the candidate, vote against, or abstain.”

The issue of the Labour Party leadership was not discussed at the meeting.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing earlier, a spokesman for Labour in Government said it was collective view of Labour’s seven TDs that the party had not received a mandate to go back into government.

“They’re also very firmly of the view that Fianna Fáil need to get off the fence. Fianna Fáil got very significant numbers in the election,” he said.

“There’s a clear pathway to a government there. And rather than people looking at us now, Fianna Fáil should fulfil its own responsibilities.”

Labour is also anticipating an approach from Fine Gael.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are continuing their talks with small parties and Independents this week as they seek to maximise support for Mr Martin or acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny when the Dáil again votes on candidates for taoiseach on April 6th.

Clarify the position

Labour Minister of State Sean Sherlock said it was vital that Labour had moved to clarify its position as the talks continued.

“We are being played into the machinery of negotiations for the formation of a government when clearly our position is we will not form any part of a future government.

“Our role will be in opposition , and it was important to clarify that.”

The Labour meeting in Leinster House was attended by a number of the party’s Senators and six of the seven TDs. The party whip and Dublin Fingal deputy Brendan Ryan was unable to attend.

Present were Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly and Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan, along with Ms Burton, Mr Sherlock and Mr Penrose.