Healy-Raes meet with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael as government formation talks gather pace

Independent TDs, including the Healy-Raes, are meeting with negotiators today after meeting party leaders Simon Harris and Micheál Martin on Friday. The group of seven Independent TDs, which includes Sean Canney, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Kevin ('Boxer') Moran and Gillian Toole, are seen as now the most likely third-party grouping in the formation of the next Government. Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae have also entered the pitch in recent days and are also in talks in supporting the next Government.

Fianna Fáil negotiator Norma Foley said there is an 'absolute determination' to deliver a programme for government which will last five years. Ms Foley said the target is January 22, 'if at all possible'. Fianna Fáil negotiator Martin Heydon said big progress has been made in putting together a draft programme for government and there is a 'pace' to the talks.

Read at Irish Independent