Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says her party is poised to go into Government if formation talks between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael fail.
Asked if a grand FF/FG coalition propped up by the Greens and Independents was a foregone conclusion, the Dublin Central TD replied: “No, far from it.”
In an exclusive interview, she told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “This story isn’t over just yet. We’re still in contact with other parties and individuals.
“We are ready as and when the situation evolves and the opportunity opens up to push... and very much to put ourselves in the frame for Government.
“We’re not tolerating another five years of the housing crisis we had. It will be the same old, same old.”
Talks continue tomorrow but the latest stumbling block appears to be over the scheduled rise in the State pension age to 67.
Fianna Fail want to defer it pending review, but Fine Gael is holding its position that the eligibility age should increase.
The Green Party is also opposed to the rise and favours a review to consider introducing f lexible pension ages.
Party negotiators are also trying to solve differences over the Land Development Agency, which the Greens claim is a vehicle to hand public land to private developers.
The upshot is the country is now 113 days without a Government – 43 more than the 2016 record of 70 days with a caretaker Government in office.
Ms McDonald said: “We need a stable Government. We know the last election was very much about change.
This story is from the May 31, 2020 edition of Irish Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 31, 2020 edition of Irish Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Euros are in sights
DOM EYEING MASSIVE TARGET
A BLANK SLATE
Roy's back on board in predictable stalemate
Jesus backing a Brazil pal to strike it Rich
GABRIEL JESUS loved seeing Brazil team-mate Richarlison put his off-the-field troubles behind him with his first Prem goal of the season for Tottenham last weekend
CASE DISMISSED
Poch: I've got to prove in the Prem same goes for Unai
OZ-SOME!
Kyra: Atmosphere felt like World Cup all over again
Kid Elliott doesn't do things by Hary's
A SENIOR RED AT 20... HELPING NEW STARS TO DO IT ‘THE LIVERPOOL WAY’
I FEAR WE'LL NEVER GET JUSTICE FOR STUART NOW
Brother of Barrymore pool riddle man after death of doc who botched probe
LETBY GETS FAN MAIL FROM SICK GHOULS
Fury as weirdos write to serial killer in jail
CATCH MARTIN'S 1-PUNCH KILLER
Family's 'heartbreak intensified because attacker is still at large
Brand drama school urges ex-pupils to speak up over groping claims
Comedian accused of touching girls beneath his 'cloak of love'