Speaking at the first Cabinet meeting since last month’s general election, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the current coalition partners, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, had begun discussions to draft a potential programme for government for the next four-and-a-half years.

Both parties described their initial talks on Wednesday as “positive and constructive” and indicated they would continue engaging in the days ahead.

Mr. Harris emphasized the importance of the policies included in the programme, noting that the coalition must be capable of managing five budgets. “I don’t see any reason why this can’t be achieved by the end of January, ideally before President Trump’s inauguration. However, I have to respect the process,” he said. He added that any party joining the government, including his own, would need to consult their members and seek a mandate but expressed hope that a new government would be in place by January.

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin echoed this sentiment, saying, “I would hope so,” when asked if the government could be formed before Mr. Trump’s inauguration. He noted that the deputy leaders of both parties, Jack Chambers and Helen McEntee, held a productive meeting the previous evening to outline the structure of the talks and address departmental and policy areas.

Mr. Martin also expressed a desire to make substantial progress before Christmas, ensuring readiness for the Dáil to reconvene in the new year to approve a Taoiseach and a government.

Neither Mr. Harris nor Mr. Martin commented on who would be the next Taoiseach.

Fianna Fáil, which secured 48 seats in the recent election, and Fine Gael, which won 38 seats, previously led the outgoing coalition and are expected to continue their partnership. However, their combined 86 seats fall short of the 88 needed for a Dáil majority. To secure a majority, they would require the support of a smaller party or independent TDs.

Both parties have ruled out working with Sinn Féin, which won 39 seats.


The Social Democrats and the Labour Party are seen as the most viable junior coalition partners, though independents are also being considered.

Mr. Harris noted on Wednesday that independents appeared “very serious” about participating in government.