A GROUP of Independent TDs has urged Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to set a deadline for coalition talks.
The group, who held talks with chief negotiators from both parties yesterday, discussed the framework document published last week by the two parties on government formation.
The Regional Group of TDs has said it must be treated as an equal partner in any government formation talks and not just be used to make up the numbers in a coalition arrangement.
The Regional Group's convenor, Independent TD Denis Naughten, said the meeting was constructive but that the pace needs to be sped up.
In a statement following the meeting, he said: "It is time for a clear deadline from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on when they expect a decision from smaller parties on whether they will enter discussions on the formation of government and when substantive talks will start on an actual programme for government.
"We are now in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, facing into challenging economic times with significant threats to jobs as well as the ongoing challenges of housing, agriculture and health. The public needs leadership that can only be provided by a stable government with a clear mandate and this needs to happen quickly."
Meanwhile Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said his party is open to joining government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The former Sinn Féin TD, who resigned from the party in 2018 over abortion, said while it would be difficult for him to sit down with Fine Gael, the country is facing a "once in a hundred years" crisis.
"Everyone has a responsibility to see can they help fix the economic and health crisis that's washing over Ireland," he said.
"We need to really press the reset button as a country and ensure that when we emerge from this crisis, we are really all in this together.
"I am open to listening to and negotiating with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to see if we can achieve these objectives."
Mr Tóibín, his party's only elected TD, met with both parties yesterday as part of the group of independent TDs.
"We will have a document ready for them to sit down with, but we're still looking at this with a critical eye, we haven't lost our senses, but it would be illogical not to try," he added.
