Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are at odds over the timeline of their talks for the renewal of the confidence and supply agreement.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he’d like to see their talks conclude by the end of the Dáil’s Halloween recess, but Fianna Fáil want a comprehensive review of the current arrangement first.
While talks are getting underway, rumours of an early election persist.
Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin spoke on the phone last night and agreed to engage and appoint negotiating teams to discuss extending the deal.
The original agreement was for three budgets, the last of which was presented yesterday, although the deal does remain in place until its provisions are passed.
The Taoiseach has indicated he wants any new deal to be finalised by Halloween, but Fianna Fáil’s call for a review means this is unlikely.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley insists the process shouldn’t be rushed.
With at least one TD openly predicting a December election, these talks will be watched closely.
Today, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey was asked if they could result in an extension of the current deal between both parties.
