A number of regional meetings will be held today by Fine Gael to approve the upcoming programme for Government.

Tomorrow, Fianna Fáil will also put the programme to its members at its Ard Fheis in Dublin.

Irish Daily Mail Political Editor Craig Hughes has said the controversy surrounding speaking time for Independent TDs has not been resolved.

"The latest development in the row over speaking time is that Sinn Féin have sought legal advice on the issue," he said.

"We know the newly instigated Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy will make a decision on it next week, I think Monday at the earliest.

This is seen as a really big first test of her independence - she was, of course, a regional Independent TD up until a couple of weeks ago."

A new coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent TDs is due to be formed next week following a deal earlier this week.

Main image: Micheál Martin and Simon Harris. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie. 13/09/2024