Policy talks on the next programme for government were entering their final stages on Monday night, shortening the odds on Micheál Martin being elected Taoiseach on January 22nd.
While some sources cautioned that talks had not concluded on Monday, others involved said their expectation was that a policy programme would be agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent TDs last night or early on Tuesday.
However, some political issues remained to be ironed out around the structures underpinning a new government and asks from Independent TDs.
An agreed programme clears the way for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to commence their respective ratification processes which sources now say should be completed in time for the Dáil meeting scheduled for Wednesday week, January 22nd.
Fianna Fáil last night notified members of an Ard Fheis on Sunday in the Radisson Hotel at Golden Lane, Dublin 2 where a draft Programme for Government is expected to be presented to voting members.
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sources were resolute on Monday that there would be no full cabinet role for the Regional Independent Group, which remained in discussions yesterday, with a super junior minister attending cabinet thought to be on the table.
The Healy Rae brothers, both Independent TDs for Kerry, also remained involved in talks.
Other matters relating to policy were being tied down after marathon talks. One such issue was the policing of public transport, with a draft agreement said to contain proposals for a new Transport Security Force, outside the Garda, but which would have powers of arrest.
With a parliamentary party meeting of Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators already scheduled for Wednesday, Fine Gael sources said their expectation was their Leinster House team could meet at the same time to consider a draft of the programme for government.
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“I’d be surprised if it’s not done on the 22nd,” said one negotiator, outlining that almost all, if not in fact all, issues between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had been agreed. They added: “The hope is to get it wrapped up tonight if at all possible.”
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A second source involved in talks said on Monday evening that agreement on policy was expected “if not tonight, then early tomorrow”, adding that “things are moving at pace”.
Over the last five weeks, negotiating teams have been working on the draft programme for government, which will likely soon be sent to the wider membership in both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“It has been intense,” said one source, adding that the talks are now at a critical final stage, with “just a few final details to go through”.
