Dublin: Progress is being made toward forming a coalition government between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and regional independents, as agreements on ministerial positions and policy programmes come into focus. The three groups are currently holding special parliamentary meetings to finalise and approve the proposed government programme, with the cabinet formation entering its final stages.
Agreement on Policy Agenda
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have largely finalised their policy agenda, with remaining issues resolved during discussions yesterday. It is anticipated that the nomination for Taoiseach will be made on Friday, with the Dáil convening on January 22. Before then, all three groups are expected to fully endorse the policy agenda.
Fine Gael is conducting four regional events to present and discuss the programme, while Fianna Fáil and the regional independent group will hold separate discussions. A special Fianna Fáil meeting in Dublin on Sunday will include a debate and an evening vote to approve the programme.
Ministerial Positions Finalised
Under the coalition agreement, Fianna Fáil is set to secure eight full ministerial positions, while Fine Gael will hold seven full positions. The regional independents are expected to receive four ministerial roles, including two junior and two super junior positions.
It has been agreed that Micheál Martin and Simon Harris will share the role of Taoiseach. However, details regarding the rotation—such as who will serve first and for how long—remain unclear. Reports suggest that if Harris assumes the Taoiseach role, he may also take over the Foreign Affairs portfolio.
Among the regional independents, Seán Canney (Galway East), Noel Grealish (Galway West), Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim), and Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran (Longford-Westmeath) are anticipated to secure ministerial positions. There is ongoing discussion about whether to include Michael Healy-Rae in the cabinet.
Disputes and Rejections
Fine Gael’s proposal for a separate Department of Infrastructure was rejected last week, highlighting some remaining points of contention within the coalition talks. Additionally, Simon Harris’s ACORN savings account initiative, a key element of Fine Gael’s manifesto, has sparked debate.
Regional Independent Support
Seán Canney, speaking on behalf of the regional independent group, confirmed that an agreement on ministerial roles has been reached. Canney stated that the independents will support the coalition government on critical issues such as housing and healthcare. The announcement of the full cabinet lineup is expected from the incoming Taoiseach.
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