Micheal Lehane

Negotiating teams from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will begin talks tomorrow on government formation following a meeting between the party leaders.

Formal discussions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to draw up a new programme for government will commence this evening.

The Regional Independent Group is now firmly on course to become the third leg of the next Government.

The Social Democrats will hold a parliamentary meeting today with a decision likely to be made by the end of this week on its approach to government formation talks while talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are to resume.

The Social Democrats will continue to engage in government formation talks after holding meetings with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, as well as Sinn Féin and Labour, according to the party's deputy leader.

Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness is going to run in the election to become the Dáil's new Ceann Comhairle next Wednesday.

The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary parties will each meet today where it is expected they will agree a position on who to support for the role of Ceann Comhairle when it is voted on tomorrow.

The 34th Dáil meets for the first time this morning where TDs will vote on the election of a Ceann Comhairle.

If Verona Murphy is elected Ceann Comhairle today, it will mark a significant step forward in forming a new government.

The Independent TDs set to support the next government might not get a full Cabinet position and could have to settle for a super junior role instead.