LABOUR STANCE BOOSTS CHANCE OF NEW ELECTION

Bookies slash odds after Kelly says he’s not keen on coalition That outcome seems more likely than it was last week

THE odds on a second General Election this year are falling after new Labour leader Alan Kelly appeared to reiterate his party’s policy on joining a coalition.

The Tipperary TD was confirmed as Brendan Howlin’s successor before the weekend.

He saw off Aodhan O Riordain in the leadership race triggered by the election result, which saw the party return to the Dail with just six TDS.

In his first statement as leader, Mr Kelly dampened expectations of a breakthrough in coalition talks, insisting it is “up to other parties to form a stable government”.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will this week continue to seek agreement from a third party to form a majority.

With both the Green Party and Labour not yet willing to come on board, the chances of a second election this year are once more being gambled as Boylesports cut the odds into 9/2 from 7/1 at the weekend.

That prospect had been out at 10/1 when polling stations opened on February 8.

The chances of Independent TDS making up the numbers is now the 7/4 frontrunner of the most likely outcomes, but that solution is unlikely to prevent calls for a second election to be triggered before the end of the year.

Boylesports spokesman Lawrence Lyons said: “Both Labour and the Green Party still seem frosty to the idea of propping up Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and it would appear that the chances of another election are on the rise.

“That outcome seems to be more likely than it was this time last week and our cut from 7/1 into 9/2 reflects the increasing number of customers who believe we are going to be called to the polls again.”

The party’s former president Proinsias De Rossa has urged the party to consider going into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

In an email sent to Labour TDS and senators seen by RTE, he said “there is nothing to be lost by negotiations and potentially much to be gained”.

Mr De Rossa said: “In my view in the current circumstances we can survive and grow better as a party in government than in opposition.

“In opposition we could be overwhelmed by the Sinn Fein juggernaut.”

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will meet again today for further talks on the possibility of forming a government.

It is understood the discussions will focus on producing a joint framework document which would then be put to other parties and independents in a bid to persuade them to join a coalition.

A key part of any framework will be plans to overcome the coronavirus crisis and kickstart the economy.

Dealing with housing and homelessness housing issues will also feature strongly as will investment in the health service and the dangers posed by climate change.

LAWRENCE LYONS BOYLESPORTS YESTERDAY