The leaders of all three parties involved in government talks will meet later today.

Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan will try and find common ground on some of the main sticking points in the talks – namely the 7% carbon reduction and the pensions age.

It comes after negotiators from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party completed an intense round of talks yesterday.

It is believed progress was made on issues including the level of spending on walking and cycling infrastructure.

After weeks of talks, the Taoiseach has said he is confident a deal a programme for government could be on the table by next week.

Health Minister Simon Harris announcing new quarantine regulations in Ireland, 22-05-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Speaking yesterday, the Health Minister Simon Harris said that needs to happen if a new government is to be in place by the end of this month.

“We want an agreement; we want to play our part in government and there are lots of big challenges facing our country,” he said.

“But at the same time, we will only be able to sign up an agreement that we believe works – works for the country, is deliverable and obviously reflects our own policy position.”

Pictured (LtoR) Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin TD, Candidate for Europe Ciaran Cuffe and Leader Eamon Ryan TD, 22-05-2019. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Yesterday’s talks were overshadowed by yesterday’s confirmation from Catherine Martin that she will challenge Deputy Ryan for the Green Party leadership.

The party’s deputy leader yesterday accepted the nominations of over 200 party members to run for the position.

She admitted the timing of the election is “less than ideal” and said she will not campaign until a government deal is agreed.

The postal vote is due to take place next month with ballots to be counted on July 23rd.