Micheál Martin has suggested Fianna Fáil will speak with “some” parties in relation to forming a Government – but not all.

The new parliamentary parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin will meet for the first time today.

It comes as speculation over the make-up of the next Government continues.

Fianna Fáil is now the largest party, with 48 TDs - followed by Sinn Féin with 39, and Fine Gael with 38.

"Not all"

Micheál Martin has refused to say whether he would prefer to form a coalition with smaller, left-leaning parties or with independents.

It does seem, however, that he is not willing to speak with all parties.

“Parliamentary party meetings will happen this week, of all parties,” Mr Martin said.

“We will engage with all parties to see what they're… sorry not all - with some.”

The outgoing Tánaiste said that some parties have written to Fianna Fáil and the party will speak with them “in terms of what they're suggesting”.

“We will talk to independents, but in the first instance, we will talk to our own party,” he said.

"Pressing issues"

The Fianna Fáil leader said the public deserves a new government within “a reasonable timeframe”.

Mr Martin, however, will not set out a timeline for negotiations.

He thinks the process should move in “a timely manner”.

“There are pressing issues internationally,” Mr Martin said.

“We have a new administration emerging in the United States in January.

“And again, I don't want to be presumptive in terms of saying to others a particular deadline or timeline, but I do believe the people will want we in Dáil Éireann to move in a reasonable time frame.”

It remains to be seen who Fianna Fáil will form a coalition with to enter in to the next Government.

Fianna Fáil party leader Micheál Martin talking to the media Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie