Fianna Fáil has insisted talks with the Green Party over the formation of the next Government could still be resumed, despite them breaking down yesterday without agreement.
Fianna Fáil negotiator and Minister for Social Welfare Seamus Brennan said the gap between the two parties could still be bridged and his party was available for further discussions.
"We are very practical people and we have a mandate that we cant just tear up. It's incumbent on both sides if they want to move it on and I believe there is ground to bridge these gaps and we are available for discussion and I believe party leaders will be available too."
Mr Brennan said he thought both sides were "very close" to a deal and he was "somewhat surprised" they weren't able to conclude with one yesterday.
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent insisted that no avenue leading to the party's involvement in any future coalition government had been closed off, despite the breakdown of six-day long talks with Fianna Fáil. "We are not giving up now. The point is we have taken this as far as we can and the ball is now in the hands of others. Our door is open to all who wish to discuss the formation of a sustainable and stable government," Mr Sargent told a press conference in Dublin.
It was disclosed yesterday that the Progressive Democrats have already begun talks on a new programme for government with Fianna Fáil
The opening of talks between Fianna Fáil and the PDs on Thursday means that the Taoiseach may be falling back on a deal with his current partners and like-minded Independents.