Fine Gael in talks to form new coalition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fine Gael, the largest Irish opposition party currently leading efforts to form a new coalition government, is battling to prevent its prospective partners from securing a left-wing cabinet majority, writes Alan Murdoch in Dublin.
John Bruton and Dick Spring, the Fine Gael and Labour leaders, yesterday opened formal talks with the Democratic Left (DL), as their preferred partner over the Progressive Democrats.
Labour felt the PDs' free-market economic views conflicted with its defence of state-owned companies. It also feared losing support to a strong left-wing opposition if the DL were not part of the new government.
Mr Bruton argues that Fine Gael, with 47 Dail seats to Labour's 32 and the DL's 6, should have a majority of the 15 Cabinet posts. Labour wants to retain the six posts it held during its two-year coalition with Fianna Fail.
The new three-party discussions involving the DL have to strike a compromise between Fine Gael demands for reductions in income tax rates and tighter controls on public spending and the left parties' pressure for action to reduce Ireland's 17 per cent unemployment rate.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments