The Regional Independents will formally engage with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for the first time on Friday when the group will submit a position document setting out its main preconditions for entering a coalition.
While most individual members of the eight-strong group of TDs have separately met Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin in recent weeks, and its interlocutor Michael Lowry has been in regular contact with both parties, the group has not been involved in any substantive negotiations until now.
The position document – which the group has been preparing for some weeks – is believed to highlight housing and disabilities as key issues. The group will also seek a number of ministerial positions for its members, including one senior ministry.
Negotiations with the outgoing Government parties, led by Mr Lowry, Galway East TD Seán Canney and Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin, could start early next week.
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Mr Lowry on Thursday issued a statement expressing his full confidence he will not face charges arising out of the findings of the Moriarty tribunal, following a criminal investigation file on the inquiry’s 2011 report being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is likely that the move will not affect his status as the group’s negotiator.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste separately met the four-strong Independent Ireland Party on Thursday, to discuss a possible coalition alliance.
Mr Harris also held a meeting the Kerry TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae, both of whom have expressed interest in joining a coalition.
In a statement, Michael Healy-Rae said the meeting was “very positive and productive,” and that further meetings were planned.
A senior source from one of the two big parties said on Thursday eveningthat a coalition with the Regional Independents was the probable option but added that the Healy-Raes could also form part of the government.
The source said the least likely option was Independent Ireland because it had come late to the process, with policies that would be harder to align.
The negotiation teams from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are said to have agreed more than two-thirds of a programme for government. Thursday’s talks centred on justice and disability, and also examined some of the health portfolio, and issues particular to Dublin city.
A full plenary session involving both negotiating teams will take place on Friday to take stock on progress. At an online meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Thursday night, TDs discussed the process for ratifying a coalition, should agreement be reached.
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