Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan says he can't see a government being formed before Christmas. The first sitting of the new Dail takes place on December 18th, but it's unlikely a Taoiseach will be appointed that day. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have agreed to enter talks with each other, as well as Independents and smaller parties.
Fine Gael deputy Feighan believes his party should have 'parity of esteem' with Fianna Fáil in government - as well as a rotating Taoiseach. That's despite Fianna Fáil having 10 more seats. Deputy Feighan says his party had a positive parliamentary party meeting yesterday: