Social Democrats To Continue Holding Government Formation Talks

The Social Democrats insist they would not enter government simply to make up the numbers.

The parliamentary party met today and decided to continue government formation talks.

Statement from Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary party this morning.

“At a meeting of the Social Democrats parliamentary party this morning, a decision was taken to continue talks with the four parties we have already engaged with – Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Labour. 

“Earlier, during the meeting, I and the other members of our negotiation team – Jennifer Whitmore and Gary Gannon – updated the parliamentary party on those meetings. 

“We reported that the meetings had been positive and constructive with a good exchange of views. 

“These talks have been exploratory to date but I expect that next week they will become more focused – particularly on the dealbreakers we highlighted during the election campaign. 

“Those dealbreakers were the delivery of 50,000 genuinely affordable homes during the lifetime of the next government; the full implementation of Sláintecare; quality public childcare; a senior minister for disability and credible climate action to avoid up to €20 billion in EU fines. 

“In continuing these talks, the Social Democrats are delivering on a commitment we gave to the electorate to talk to every party after the election with a view to forming a government and delivering on our mandate.”