Irish foreign minister says no deal yet on new government
5/5/2016 6:51:57 PM
The party of Irish prime minister Enda Kenny has not yet secured the support of enough independent deputies to form a minority government, acting foreign minister Charlie Flanagan said on Thursday, denying reports that an agreement had been reached.
Ireland has been without a government for more than nine weeks since an inconclusive Feb. 26 election, but Flanagan said he was hopeful the party could secure the support of the six independent deputies required in time for a vote in parliament on Friday.
"We're not there yet. The negotiations are ongoing, the object is that we would have matters concluded some time this evening with a view towards having a Dail (parliament) sitting tomorrow," Flanagan told reporters.
One of the independent deputies whose support Fine Gael is trying to secure, John Halligan, said a deal may be reached within the next couple of hours.
Ireland has been without a government for more than nine weeks since an inconclusive Feb. 26 election, but Flanagan said he was hopeful the party could secure the support of the six independent deputies required in time for a vote in parliament on Friday.
"We're not there yet. The negotiations are ongoing, the object is that we would have matters concluded some time this evening with a view towards having a Dail (parliament) sitting tomorrow," Flanagan told reporters.
One of the independent deputies whose support Fine Gael is trying to secure, John Halligan, said a deal may be reached within the next couple of hours.