New programme for government could be agreed early this week

A draft agreement on a deal for a new government could be reached by early this week.

Government formation talks ramped up across the weekend as a new opinion poll showed an election "bounce" in popularity for both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

The aim is to put an agreement in place before the Dáil returns on January 22nd.

According to The Irish Times, large parts of the draft programme for government have already been signed off.

However, the share-out of portfolios and ministerial jobs has yet to be settled by the two party leaders, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, and the representatives of the Independent TDs who are expected to join the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition.

Kerry Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also involved in the process.

The Irish Times reports that the two brothers will review the programme for government when it is completed and then discuss participation in the coalition with the leaders of the two big parties.

No date for the rotation of the Taoiseach’s office has been agreed, but it is likely to be in the second half of 2027.

As Fianna Fail and Fine Gael negotiators engaged with Independents, a new poll showed both parties have gained support since the general election, while support for the Independents has fallen.

The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll also showed 58 per cent of respondents felt the incoming programme for government should not include deals with Independent TDs who prioritise their own constituencies.