Fianna Fáil Close To Inking Deal With The Greens

Final Acceptance Will Wait On Signatures From Bertie And Greens

According to statements from Green Party spokesman Dan Boyle as The Irish Examiner went to press, a deal could be agreed between Fianna Fáil and the Green Party on the formation of a coalition Government as soon as Wednesday.

Green Party negotiator Dan Boyle emerged from talks to deny rumors that a deal had been done saying that, "We've moved a lot closer (and) the number of issues we have had disagreements on has reduced," and adding that they were using the "opportunity" of these last hours of negotiations to address a number of "fundamental issues."

Earlier reports had hinted that a draft document laying out the basis for the two party's partnership in government was understood to have been prepared and awaiting the signitures of Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern and the Green Party, but Mr. Doyle's statement laid these rumors to rest.

Despite the setback, progress was still being made after talks, which had broken down at the end of last week, were jump-started on Monday in the hope of finally concluding a coalition government deal.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and Green Party leader Trevor Sargent held face-to-face discussions on Monday night in an apparently successful attempt to iron out some of the outstanding areas of disagreement between the two parties.

After the meeting, Seamus Brennan reported that both party leaders had been "very cordial" and that progress, which became visible on Tuesday was being made. Green Party leader Trevor Sargent told reporters there had been good progress and the party's negotiators said that they were hopeful that a deal could be finalised and that they had emailed members to alert them about a special conference.

Approval of any programme for Government requires a two-thirds majority vote at the special convention.

Fianna Fáil sign deal with Jackie Healy-Rae

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach is reported to have signed a deal with South Kerry Independent T.D. Jackie Healy-Rae.

Mr Healy-Rae confirmed that he had signed an agreement worth tens of millions of euro, to will be invested in health care, district hospitals, and roads in south Kerry over the next five years.

Mr. Healy-Rae refused to reveal details of the deal however.

Speaking on RTE Radio's Morning Ireland on Monday morning, Mr Healy-Rae said that the package of measures largely consisted of agreements to speed up existing plans for the area, including in roads and health.

It is also believed that Fianna Fáil is still in talks with three more independent T.D.s in an attempt to secure their support when the new Dáil meets for the first time on Thursday.