FF holds talks with PDs about 'new programme'
But FG refusingto withdraw its coalition challenge
Saturday June 09 2007
THERE have been formal contacts between Fianna Fail and the PDs since Thursday about the formation of a new government, it was confirmed last night.
Progressive Democrats sources said that, after the contacts between the two parties, they had agreed to take part in "the formulation of a new programme for government".
Health Minister Mary Harney had been given carte blanche by her party to handle the negotiations for a return to government as she saw fit. This followed the PDs' election reverses; it returned with just two TDs, herself and Noel Grealish of Galway West.
Ms Harney took an extended bank-holiday break in Clare and returned in time for Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.
She also had talks during that day with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern who told her he wanted the PDs on board for government. She met Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny on Wednesday for 75 minutes of talks, fulfilling a commitment she had given him.
The fact that the PDs subsequently agreed to take part in putting together a new government with Fianna Fail appears to further set back Fine Gael's chances of forming an alternative government.
Fine Gael has been ridiculed in some quarters for its refusal during the past two weeks to admit defeat, but last night a spokesman said Mr Kenny could still become Taoiseach.
Last night's breakdown of the talks between Fianna Fail and the Greens was being seen within the party as total justification for Mr Kenny's stance. "If there is a will among others to make this happen, we still think it can be done," said a FG spokesman last night.
The party has 51 TDs but would need Labour's 20 plus the Greens' six to get to 77, one less than the Fianna Fail total.
If the two PDs and four of the five independent TDS came on board, the combination would make the crucial 83 mark.
Fine Gael insiders were noting the silence of the PDs in the past week as being potentially significant and still hoped that the numbers could add up for an alternative government.
Amid speculation that Labour could still be in the frame for a coalition with Fianna Fail, the party said last night FF had made no contact with it.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte is expected to carry through on his commitment following the Mullingar Accord to support Enda Kenny for Taoiseach next week.
Mr Rabbitte has said repeatedly he does not expect to be involved in the formation of the next Government but that could all change if no Taoiseach is elected next week.
- Gene McKenna
