Hotel room that hosted talks... discreetly
YESTERDAY’S crisis meeting between Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin was at Dublin’s Alexander Hotel, and not at Government Buildings, as reported last night.
Both had their chiefs of staff with them. Mr Varadkar was joined by Fine Gael veteran Brian Murphy, and Mr Martin’s chef de cabinet Deirdre Gillane was with him. The Fianna Fail leader drank water, while the others had tea during the 40-minute meeting.
The only clue to the talks was a ‘meeting in progress’ sign on the door, and a plain-clothes garda sitting in the lobby.
Sources say they will probably meet again today and will definitely meet tomorrow.
Mr Varadkar arrived with Government Press Secretary Nick Millar and two Garda minders at 3.37pm. But Mr Miller left after about ten minutes. Mr Varadkar left at 4.20pm. Mr Martin and Ms Gillane left at 4.27pm.