Group of rural TDs has talks with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael

A new rural group of independent TDs has had initial talks with both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on Government formation.

The Regional Group, comprises of nine TDs, and involves Portarlington-based Cathal Berry.

It confirmed that it held exploratory talks with both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on Turesday.

In a statement, the group said: “While the group operates as a technical group in Dáil Eireann, the members felt it was imperative they express the views of their constituents that there is now an urgent need to form a stable and effective Government to address the issues facing the country.”

The group had a useful exchange of views and await developments by all the political parties, the statement concluded.

The Regional Group consists of: Cathal Berry, Sean Canney, Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Verona Murphy, Denis Naughten (convener), Matt Shanahan and Peadar Toibin.