The leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have signed off on a policy document that could form the basis for an historic coalition between the two parties.

Following a meeting today, Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin agreed to work towards a majority government that can last for five years.

They agreed that they would enter government on an equal footing and that the coalition must include at least three parties.

The document, which was agreed by negotiators last week, is expected to form the basis of a programme for government and will be put to members of each Parliamentary Party tomorrow afternoon.

It will then be sent to smaller parties and independents for their consideration.

The document includes an outline of what the parties planned policies will be on housing, the healthcare system and childcare.

It also agrees to put the response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the forefront of any deal.

The Green Party, the Social Democrats, Labour and a host of independents have already said they are not interested in joining the coalition; however, Deputy Martin and Mr Varadkar have both expressed hope the document will change their stance.

With reporting from Seán Defoe …