Forget 'positive and engaging talks' - TDs just need to pick least worst option

Forty days since the nation voted, the 158 TDs will return for the third time to Leinster House this afternoon to go through the motions again.
In many ways the real talking - discussions between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil based on real Dáil numbers - will only begin after this afternoon's vote for Taoiseach. Estimates on how long it could take to make a deal vary from a fortnight to a month.
There is no guarantee of a deal. We cannot rule out another election happening before summer is with us.