Support for Verona Murphy is a significant step towards government deal

The support of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for Ms Murphy’s candidacy is seen as a significant step towards a deal being reached to form a government.

Following the first sitting of the 34th Dáil, it was adjourned for the Christmas break, which was initially set to end on January 15. This has been pushed back to January 22, indicating that the government leaders are confident a deal will be in place at that stage.

One senior Fine Gael source expressed doubt over this timeline, saying it would be “optimistic” to complete all negotiations by the time the Dáil resumes.

They said that at present, the talks are moving along due to all parties agreeing but that this could change if they hit any “roadblocks”.

Healy-Raes in talks

Talks are continuing with Kerry Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae.

They met Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin for over an hour on Wednesday — their second sit-down meeting.

Michael Healy-Rae said further “intensive” talks will resume immediately after Christmas as they continue to put together a working document detailing what supports they would like to see delivered for Kerry.

He and Danny Healy-Rae said Mr Martin has been receptive to what they have outlined for their constituency as part of any deal that may be reached.

Michael Healy-Rae said while there has been greater focus on the larger group of Independent TDs involved in formation talks, serious discussions between the Healy-Raes and Mr Martin have been ongoing since they first met three days after the election finished.

Micheál Martin will undoubtedly be the next Taoiseach and do you think he would give an hour and 20 minutes of his time talking to us today if he was not serious?

“He made it quite clear that he did want us,” said Mr Healy-Rae.

Although the engagement has largely been with Mr Martin, Mr Healy-Rae said Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is “of the same opinion that securing the two extra votes in government “are not just a cushion, they are a necessity”.

There is a lot more work to be done, according to the two Kerry TDs, but talks have been fruitful, though they remain open to talking with other parties.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party will decide its next steps, regarding whether to continue talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, at its parliamentary meeting today, Thursday, and the Social Democrats are set to meet with Fine Gael.