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Brexit: Micheál Martin says priority is 'delivering stability' in Dublin government

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said his party have "guaranteed stability" in the confidence and supply arrangement in coming months because of Brexit negotiations. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said his party have "guaranteed stability" in the confidence and supply arrangement in coming months because of Brexit negotiations. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said his party have "guaranteed stability" in the confidence and supply arrangement in coming months because of Brexit negotiations. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said that his party's focus is on "delivering stability" in the Irish government "until the risk of a no-deal Brexit or a major last-minute change is overcome".

Addressing the annual Wolfe Tone commemoration in Bodenstown, Co Kildare, Mr Martin said that Fianna Fáil "have guaranteed stability in the coming months because of the critical phase of the Brexit negotiations".

A confidence and supply arrangement has existed between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil since the 2016 general election but is due for review.

Mr Martin said: "Unless the Taoiseach decides otherwise there is no danger of Ireland being caught without a functioning parliament and stable government due to an election campaign and lengthy government formation period."

Brexit: Micheál Martin says priority is 'delivering stability' in Dublin government
Brexit: Micheál Martin says priority is 'delivering stability' in Dublin government

The Fianna Fáil leader has named a four-person team, including Brexit spokeswoman Lisa Chambers, for upcoming talks with Fine Gael.

He cited housing, health, broadband and Brexit preparations as areas of "critical delivery deficit" under the current government.

Mr Martin said: "We are setting no new conditions and we will agree to no new conditions or deadlines.

"It must be substantive. It must push aside the increasingly empty PR of government claims and deliver a serious review of the critical policies which are of most concern to the public."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has also named his team for the talks, said he wants to see another election in summer 2020.

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