Government formation talks begin

The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil deputy leaders have held what sources say were "good, constructive" talks on government formation.

Simon Coveney and Dara Calleary were engaging in a scoping discussion to find common ground, ahead of formal talks on a programme for government next week. Negotiating teams from both sides are to meet before the weekend, while talks on forming a left government are ongoing between Sinn Féin and Left TDs.