Negotiators from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael remain locked in talks with Independent TDs on Sunday night as they sought to finalise agreement on a programme for government that several sources say could come as early as Monday or Tuesday.
That would enable the two big parties to commence the process of ratifying the deal this week, clearing the way for the new government to take office when the Dáil meets again on Wednesday week, January 22nd.
Participants in the process were circumspect on Sunday but it is understood large parts of the draft programme for government have been signed off. However, the share-out of portfolios and ministerial jobs has yet to be settled by the two party leaders, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, and the representatives of the Independent TDs who are expected to join the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition.
[ Analysis: Finish line nears after weekend of intensive talksOpens in new window ]
Kerry Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also involved in the process and it is understood they will review the programme for government when it is completed and then discuss participation in the coalition with the leaders of the two big parties.
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A key part of that discussion will be a potential ministerial role for one of the Healy-Raes. It is understood the Healy-Raes are likely to seek a super-junior ministerial role, though it is not clear whether this will be on offer from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
Discussions on ministerial jobs for the other Independent TDs will also take place once the programme for government has been signed off. There is an expectation among people involved in the process that the Independents will get a “super-junior” job – a junior minister with the right to sit at the Cabinet table, though not with the status of a full Cabinet Minister in charge of a government department – and either two or three other junior ministerial jobs.
One person involved who spoke on condition of anonymity said no conclusive discussions on jobs have yet taken place – though the person said once the document is finalised, the focus would shift immediately to who gets which role.
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No conclusions have been reached about jobs, though it is likely Fine Gael will take the Department of Finance (with Paschal Donohoe almost certain to take the role) while Fianna Fáil has the Taoiseach’s office, and switch to the Department of Public Expenditure when the Taoiseach’s role rotates – as happened during the last administration.
No date for the rotation of the Taoiseach’s office has been agreed, but it is likely to be in the second half of 2027.
Fianna Fáil is likely to get the Department of Justice, with Dublin TD Jim O’Callaghan among the names floated for the role.
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