After 118 days, we’ re nearly there

FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said a government formation deal could be sealed within days.

Negotiators from the Green Party, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will continue to meet this week as they try to finalise an agreement on forming a coalition.

It has been 118 days since the February 8 general election but Mr Martin said progress is being made.

He told Newstalk FM he is hopeful that a draft programme for government may be ready for next week, adding that a government needs to be in place before June 30 in order for TDs to pass votes on key sections of the Offences Against the

State Act before they lapse.

He said: ‘I think you do need a fully formed government with ministers who know they will be there for the next four to five years and who can start taking decisions that will have medium-term impact that will benefit the citizens of this country.

‘The next couple of days are going to be absolutely crucial because that June deadline is a real deadline and that facilitates more momentum over the next day or two to get this over the line. I think the outstanding issues can be dealt with, with a bit of common sense and with a will to get them resolved.’

He added if the will is there, it can be ‘achieved in the coming days’.

Mr Martin said he remains confident that members of his party will back the deal when it is put to a postal vote.

The Fianna Fáil leader added: ‘The end of June is the real deadline because we have to allow time to go to the parties for balance... our national executive is to meet [today] to allow a rule change that will allow for a postal ballot of our members. The Green Party and Fine Gael also have to consult their members on how they will vote.’