The leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will meet early this week to start negotiations on the formation of the next Government.

Both parties have appointed negotiation teams to navigate coalition talks, although the upcoming meeting will be a one-on-one discussion between Micheál Martin and Simon Harris.

Over the next few days, the party leaders will also hold talks with Labour, the Social Democrats and a number of independent TDs.

Sinn Féin, meanwhile, is expected to meet with other parties this week.

A member of Fine Gael's negotiating team, Deputy John Cummins, told Newstalk Breakfast the focus of the party's negotiation talks will be on policies, and how the future Government will deliver on those policies.

"We have to ensure that there will be a Fine Gael stamp on the future Government, and that's what we'll be trying to ensure in terms of any negotiations," he said.

"I would stress we're at the start of the process, and those meetings with the Taoiseach will form the basis for the remainder of the week."

Other parties

Beyond Fianna Fáil, Deputy Cummins said Fine Gael will also talk with the smaller parties.

"We're open to discussing Government formation with Labour, with independents, with the Social Democrats, should they wish to do so," he said.

"We'll sit down with anyone - we have an open mind, we're not closing off any options."

Deputy Cummins said ministerial positions for potential coalition partners or constituency concessions is "not something that will form parts of [their] discussions".

Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin Photographer: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The negotiation process may take several weeks, with Deputy Cummins unwilling to give any indication of how long talks will last.

"It's hard to tell [how long the process will take]," he said.

"We do need to ensure we have a strong and stable Government but it's important that we don't rush things here."

It is thought that it could be mid-January before any coalition will take power.

Feature image shows Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie