No Final Decision In The Forming Of A New Government

Parties Continue Talks In Hopes Of Forming Coalition

Talks between Fáil and the Green Party with the intention of examining the possibility of forming a coalition government continued for another day in Dublin as the Irish Examiner went to press.

Both sides confirmed that their meetings have been constructive, but neither was willing to confirm recent speculation that the PDs and some independents would be invited to join a wide coalition government.

Both parties have discussed the economy, social welfare reforms, agriculture and the arts during the meetings at Government Buildings during the last few days.

Further papers and proposals for government will be exchanged as the talks intensify.

Both Fianna Fáil and the Greens insist many issues have yet to be dealt with in the negotiations.

The talks are expected to last several more days though the Greens are believed to be keen to have proposals in place to put before party members over the weekend.

The Dáil is due to sit again on June 14th when a vote is to be taken on the next Fianna Fáil deputy leader and Finance Minister Brian Cowen is leading his party's negotiating group, joined by Seamus Brennan and Noel Dempsey at the talks in Government Buildings.

Green Party chairman John Gormley, ex-T.D. Dan Boyle and Donall Geoghegan, the party's general secretary, conducting the negotiations for the Greens.

Independent Confirms Talks

Independent T.D. Michael Lowry is reported to have accepted an invitation from the Bertie Ahern to negotiate the formation of the next Government.

The former Fine Gael Minister told reporters that he has held discussions with both Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.

In a statement issued on Tuesday he said he does not believe that Mr. Kenny has any realistic prospect of forming a Government.

The Tipperary-North deputy said he wanted to ensure the delivery of projects for his constituency.

He will not be making any further comment until shortly before the Dáil convenes on June 14th.

PDs In Government Is Unacceptable Says Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin spoke out against parties offering the PDs a position in a coalition Government on Tuesday.

"The idea of the PDs having control over the Department of Health for another five years would be unacceptable to the vast majority of people in this State," he said.

"If the PDs are allowed to implement their policies we will have an American model health system where your income and where you live totally dictate the type of healthcare you receive.

"The issue of co-location is just one aspect of their privatisation agenda but it is one which will have deep implications for our hospital system.

"The allocation of land to private developers which may be required for the public health system is ill-thought out and claims around the number of beds which will be provided do not stand up to scrutiny.

"Nor have they given any consideration as to where the staff for these hospitals will come from. This is critical given the shortage of staff in many areas of the public health system.

"Tackling the crisis in healthcare will be one of the most important issues facing the new Government.

"We oppose the PDs being returned to the health portfolio and will use all opportunities open to us to encourage the abandonment of their privatisation agenda and its replacement with a solid commitment to a decent public health system for all."