The leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have agreed on a framework for an historic government that would see the two parties in a coalition with another.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin met this morning and agreed on the document setting out the framework for a government.
Tomorrow it will be presented to their respective parliamentary parties, and is not expected that the document will be made available before then.
It will also need to be circulated to the other small parties in the Dáil to attract another coalition partner.
Between the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael hold a combined total of 72 seats in the Dáil, and at least 80 TDs are needed to form a majority government.
It’s understood that the framework document sets out a commitment to form a coalition with a third party which will last for the full five year term.
Taking into account the historic results of February’s general election, which many interpreted as a trumpet call by the population for a change from business as usual, the document apparently acknowledges the need for such a change.
Housing is one of the big mission areas contained with the document, with goals related to the delivery of affordable housing and greater security for renters.
The Covid-19 crisis, and the recovery of the Irish economy once it has passed, is also one of the major areas of consideration.
