Stalemate continues in the Dáil as vote for Taoiseach fails

A third vote for Taoiseach in the Dáil has end in another stalemate, meaning that seven weeks after the General Election, we still have no government.

The nomination of Enda Kenny was rejected with 52 voting for and 77 voting against; while Micheál Martin secured 43 votes in favour and 91 against.

The Dáil is to be adjourned later today until next Wednesday, April 20. Addressing the house after the vote, Mr Kenny urged all parties to 'use the time to make real efforts to form a stable and lasting government'.

He invited Mr Martin to continue discussions on the formation of a new government.

Responding, the Fianna Fáil leader said that his party it was 'time to move on' and his party were 'willing to be flexible' and re-engage in negotiations.

But Mr Martin said that prior to the election, he said that Fianna Fáil would not enter a partnership government with Fine Gael. He said that they would not break that promise and that public trust in politics needs to be re-established.

He emphasised that the party had been 'consistent and upfront' in relation to its discussions on the formation of a government.

Earlier today, a group of 14 independents, issued a statement saying that would abstain from this afternoon's vote and they had also decided to withdraw from talks with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on the possible formation of a new government until such time as they come to an agreement with each other. 

The TDs include members of the Independent Alliance, the Rural Alliance and the Healy-Raes.

In a statement before the Dáil resumed the 14 Independents said: 'We want the parties to agree on a three-budget programme for a minority government and we are withdrawing from the talks process until that can be agreed.'

'We have also made it clear that if the main parties want a facilitator to assist with their talks, that will be made available to them.'

Another week at least
Local TD Brendan Smith (FF) warned earlier this week that it could take another week at least before a stable government is formed. He’s predicting a minority government as the most likely outcome.
“There are too many serious issues facing the people of this country for any political grandstanding to take place,” he said.
He made the comments on Monday while talks were continuing in Dublin to determine which party will lead the country.
“I’d be confident a minority led government will be formed, not this week, but I hope it would be achievable within another week or so, you’d hope. Of course my preference is for a Fianna Fáil-led government, but that’s to be decided,” Deputy Smith told The Anglo-Celt.
“I believe there is the onus on everybody in the Dáil to ensure the formation of a stable government. Sadly the likes of Sinn Féin and others simply walked away from the table and have not taken part in constructive talks whatsoever,” he added.

'They never knocked on our door’
However, Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín ” Caoláin hit back, claiming that the two major parties had failed to approach his party, which holds 23 seats.
“They never knocked on our door to explore what might be possible,” said Deputy ” Caoláin.
He further claims that if Fianna Fáil prop up a Fine Gael-led minority, it is a situation “engineered” simply to allow the party “have their cake and eat it”, by having one foot in the door of government, while also holding the king’s role as chief in opposition.