Politics watch: Controversy over Lowry involvement in government formation
James Cox
Here, we talk a look at the topics likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.
Government formation talks in full flow
It is understood intensive government formation talks are ongoing.
Verona Murphy's successful election as Ceann Comhairle was backed by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, making it all but certain that the next government will be a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Regional Independents coalition.
The Regional Independent Group is made up of Michael Lowry, Sean Canney, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Gillian Toole and Verona Murphy.
Michael Lowry is understood to be one of the leaders in the group, and was a key voice in Ms Murphy's nomination.
Controversy over Lowry's role
Mr Lowry was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians, the Moriarty Tribunal.
Further meetings are expected to take place on Monday and Tuesday to agree on a number of policy areas.
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the parties ongoing engagement with Mr Lowry.
The 70-year-old was criticised in a tribunal that was established in September 1997, which examined payments to former taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.
The tribunal’s final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis O’Brien secure the State’s second mobile phone licence in 1995.
The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as “profoundly corrupt”.
Recently, gardaí sent a file relating to its investigations around the findings of the tribunal to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
What will Independents look for?
According to The Irish Times, an agreement will likely see several junior ministerial roles for Independent TDs, along with one super junior ministerial role.
A super junior minister sits at the Cabinet table, but does not have the same power as a full Cabinet minister.
Talks are ongoing with the Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.
The Kerry Independents are believed to be demanding a super junior ministerial role. This could complicate matters as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael may be reluctant to give these roles to two Independents.
Combined, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have 86 seats, two short of a Dáil majority.
The Healy-Rae brothers' support would bring them to this level, but they are looking for a stronger mandate, hence the talks with the Regional Independent Group.
Abroad
UK cancellor Rachel Reeves will remain in her role "for the whole of this Parliament", Downing Street has said, amid criticism over the falling pound and rising government borrowing costs.
Elon Musk's ongoing interference in UK politics is also making headlines.
In the US, all eyes will be on the beginning of Donald Trump's second administration, with his inauguration to take place next week.