Sinn Féin’s President has hit out at what she called the “old boys club” for excluding her from government formation talks.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are refusing to deal with Sinn Féin as the slow process of forming a new government continues, leading some to speculate that a grand coalition involving both parties could be on the cards, or perhaps a second election.
Mary Lou McDonald says it would be “farcical” to suggest that a Fine Gael – Fianna Fáil government represents the change people voted for.
She’s been speaking for the first time since last evening’s Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting saw it re-affirm its stance that it won’t enter government with Sinn Féin.
Fine Gael have adopted a similar stance, but Mary Lou McDonald says they are not respecting what the electorate voted for.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD is defending his party’s policy to rule out going tinto coalition with Sinn Féin.
Cathal Crowe is supporting Micheal Martin and his party’s position that there are too many policy differences between the two parties.
The newly elected Meelick Fianna Fáil TD fears the economy would unravel quickly under a Sinn Fein Government and he says a second election could also be on the cards.
The Dáil is due to meet next Thursday, when candidates will be nominated for Taoiseach. It’s all but certain that none will be successful.
The process that will follow will likely last several weeks, and Fine Gael TD and Business Minister Heather Humphreys agrees that another election could be on the cards.
