Fianna Fáil councillors in East Clare are demanding that any coalition agreement between their party and Fine Gael is put out to ballot for grassroots members.
It comes as a group of Independent TDs will meet with the two parties this afternoon, as efforts to form a government continue.
The landmark agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil struck has seen the parties put 80 odd years of differences aside, with a view to sharing power for the first time in the country’s history.
Talks are continuing with Independents and smaller parties, a process which is expected to take some time.
One of those involved in today’s meeting, Clare’s Michael McNamara believes the Green Party will be key in any potential government formation but says nothing can be ruled out.
And while talks continue among TDs and parties, there is concern among some grassroots Fianna Fáil members about any potential deal.
This has been made more acute by Micheál Martin’s refusal, so far, to confirm that a vote will be held among the party membership – last week he suggested it could be unfeasible.
Ordinarily, a party Árd Fheis would be held to approve or dismiss any government deal,
The party’s three East Clare Councillors- Pat Hayes, Tony O’Brien and Alan O’Callaghan – are demanding that a postal vote of grassroots members be held, and have encouraged other Councillor to exert such pressure.
Councillor O’Callaghan has expressed concern about the deal, saying he’d prefer to see a national government formed.
James Mulhall, Clare FM, first for local news.
