The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has revealed some of the Progressive Democrats TDs-elect want the party to return to opposition.
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Progressive Democrats leader Ms Mary Harney speaking in Dublin this afternoon Photo: Kate Runde
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Ms Harney, herself, admitted to having "mixed feelings about going back into government".
Although her coyness may be a pre-negotiation position, the Tánaiste said the changed political landscape - post-election - meant new opportunities had been created for her party. "Some deputies are taking the view that we should return to opposition", she said.
"Clearly there are alternatives to Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats going back into government," she said, adding: "It's not all in my hands."
But Ms Harney did concede the party had fought the General Election on the basis it should return to Government. "I believe we sought a mandate from the people to go back into office," she said.
She said the decision on whether to enter a coalition with Fianna Fáil would be "solely about politics" and said the matter of which government posts the party would be seeking had not been discussed.
With Dáil due to resume on June 6th, Ms Harney said she was confident that agreement on the make-up of a new coalition would be reached before that date.
The Tánaiste said she had met with her parliamentary party on an individual basis already adn that they would meet collectively tomorrow.