Fianna Fáil has set up a negotiations steering group to represent the party in coalition discussions.

The party hopes to lead the next Government, after winning 48 seats in last weekend’s General Election.

Sinn Féin is the next biggest party on 39 seats, followed closely by Fine Gael on 38.

As Fianna Fáil prepares to open talks with Fine Gael and others, Sinn Féin still believes it could form a left-wing Government without either of the two traditional main parties.

Party representatives are set to meet with the Social Democrats today, and the party has reportedly contacted Labour as well.

Labour will also meet with the Social Democrats tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael have announced that their negotiations will be led by Paschal Donohoe and Helen McEntee.

Timeline

Outgoing Tanáiste Micheál Martin has confirmed that some parties have written to Fianna Fáil, but refused to set out a timeline for negotiations.

He said the party would speak with some - but not all - parties.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Fianna Fáil negotiations team member James Lawless said his party would carefully consider all potential government partners.

“Us being the largest party and the largest group, I think, gives us an onus to lead the negotiations and, sort of, be the driving force in any talks that are now starting across the board,” he said.

“There is an obligation and expectation that we would lead the new government – so that’s what we’re doing.”

'Early days'

The outgoing Minister of State for Transport said negotiations are still in the very ‘early days’.

“As I understand it and as a member of the negotiating team – and we only formed as a group yesterday afternoon – we'll probably have parallel tracks," he said.

“So, the principal track that I expect to be involved with will look at policy areas – things like justice, transport, housing and look at the manifestos that we have published before the election.”

'Shared analysis'

Mr Lawless said there are no ‘red lines’ between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as of yet.

“I think it would be unhelpful to start setting red lines at the start of the talks,” he said

“I think what will happen is, as we get into the weeds of it, naturally we’ll come to areas for further discussion.”

Mr Lawless did say though that there is a ‘shared analysis’ that 'planning takes too long in this country’.

Listen back here: