TDS WILL, ONCE again, attempt to elect a Taoiseach later today, though no group has yet managed to make an agreement to form a stable government.
Independent TDs will play a big part in determining whether or not a Taoiseach is to be elected and they will meet this morning to discuss where they stand and who they might support. They have been meeting in recent weeks with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to tell the parties what it would take for them to support either.
Talks due to take place between the two main parties was called off last night. This will be the third time the Dáil tries to elect a Taoiseach and it looks unlikely that there will be a victor by the end of the day.
What they’re saying
Neither of the parties are saying much to the media about their progress, or lack thereof. However, they have been calling some independent TDs to ask where their support will fall.
John Halligan told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland he expects he and his colleagues in the Independent Alliance will abstain from the vote. He said neither of the parties had told them how a minority government might work or what part independents might play.
Halligan added that he believed it was “unfair” for ultimatums to be put to independent TDs before they had answers to these questions.
Denis Naughten had similar comments to make this morning telling Morning Ireland there was “no point putting a government in place that is going to last for five weeks or five months”.
Mattie McGrath is ready to make his decision and it looks like it won’t be a vote for Enda Kenny:
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Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will meet again after the vote and there will be increased pressure on independents to pick a team if a Taoiseach can not be elected this time.
The Dáil will convene at 2.30pm this afternoon.
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