Eamon Gilmore not drawn on negotiations for coalition with Fine Gael

No contact has yet been made by either party in relation to starting negotiations for a coalition.

LABOUR PARTY LEADER Eamon Gilmore would not be drawn on what might be up for negotiation in a programme for government with Fine Gael today with a widespread expectation that two parties will enter a coalition.

In an interview with RTE Radio, Gilmore pointed to the historical nature of the proposed coalition of the two largest parties in the next Dáil but said that it was up to Fine Gael to initiate negotiations.

He gave a big indication that he favours entering a coalition saying:

People want to see political leaders working together to get us out of the economic difficulties.

The Labour Party wants to be part of government that solves the people’s problems.

He refused to be drawn on what might aspects of the party’s manifesto would on the table in negotiations but added that he was “confident” that programme for government can be reached.

He also pointed to a narrow window of opportunity to get an agreement in place ahead of the 31st Dáil meeting on 9 March.