TALKS BETWEEN FINE Gael and Fianna Fáil broke up last night and are expected to recommence this morning, with the atmosphere inside the room once again being described as cordial.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live last night FG Dublin TD Eoghan Murphy confirmed there had been “good progress” yesterday.

For Fianna Fáil, Limerick’s Willie O’Dea said discussions on how a minority government would be established and supported had gone “quite well”.

Both sides are now on to discussing policy issues, he said.

Asked whether there would be any written agreement between the two old enemies, O’Dea said:

If there is to be a written agreement it should be a short statement of principles. I don’t think – for a number of reasons – you can have a detailed written agreement.

Fine Gael’s Simon Coveney said both sides would be discussing policy issues in detail today.

He admitted there were differences between the two parties on some issues, but said they had to find a compromise and “a way forward”.

The Dáil is set to meet tomorrow but it’s not expected a Taoiseach will be elected.

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