Several Independent TDs have already expressed their desire to do a deal with Fianna Fáil on forming a government, reports Joe Humphreys
The willingness of a number of Independent TDs to support Fianna Fáil in government strengthens the Taoiseach's hand in negotiations with the PDs.
The new Galway East TD, Mr Paddy McHugh, who ran as an Independent after failing to receive a Fianna Fáil nomination for the General Election, yesterday said he would have "no difficulty supporting a Fianna Fáil-led government provided there was a good return for my constituency."
Kerry South TD Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, who was one of four Independents who supported the outgoing Government, said he would welcome negotiations with his former party, adding: "I feel we worked well together, and I don't see why that can't continue."
Another Independent, Mr Niall Blaney (Donegal North East), a nephew of the former Fianna Fáil minister of the same name, said he would consider joining a coalition, and even taking the Fianna Fáil whip, if he received a firm commitment from the party on the future of "the six counties", and a number of other issues.
Two other Independent TDs have strong Fianna Fáil links - Mr James Breen (Clare), who unsuccessfully sought to run on the Fianna Fáil ticket in the General Election, and Ms Mildred Fox (Wicklow), who also supported the last government.
Her participation in the next Dáil is dependent, however, on the outcome of a recount in her constituency on Thursday.
Mr Blaney said he did not expect an approach from Fianna Fáil until that recount was completed. "We have yet to make up a shopping list of what we would want in return for supporting the Government but we will do that if and when we are approached for negotiations," he said.
Among his chief demandswould be more infrastructural improvements for his constituency, and a greater emphasis on "British withdrawal" from Northern Ireland.
Mr McHugh said his preference would be to form part of a coalition government "because that is the best way to deliver for Galway East . . . If that transpires fair enough. If not, I will be looking at other ways to serve the constituency."
Stressing the advantages for Fianna Fáil of doing a deal with the Independents, Mr McHugh said that, unlike the PDs, they would not be seeking ministerial posts. Nor would they be looking for "perks or rewards" of office, other than benefits for their constituencies.
A pre-condition for entering Government, he said, would be the re-opening of Tuam Hospital. His other priorities were increased funding for water and sewage schemes and national and secondary roads in the area.
Mr Healy-Rae said he was putting "no conditions" on talks. "If these people are looking for me, they know where to find me," he added.
Mr Breen also said he was open to talks with Fianna Fáil. But the former Fianna Fáil councillor listed a number of demands on health and infrastructure which he said would have to be met in return for his support. He ruled out rejoining the party, saying "I will remain as an Independent".
Two first-time TDs, Ms Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim) and Dr Jerry Cowley (Mayo), met yesterday to discuss their strategy in any possible negotiations.
"Bertie holds all the cards at this stage, and I think the most likely outcome is a Fianna Fáil/PD coalition. But it would be very foolish for us not to look at all the options," said Ms Harkin.
She ruled out any possibility of joining Fianna Fáil, which approached her before the general election to run on the party ticket. "I am an Independent. I have never been anything else," she said.
Dr Cowley added: "We are open to contact with anybody at this stage. My situation is very straightforward. I'm looking for the West, and Mayo in particular, to be put on a level playing-pitch with the rest of the country."
In a separate development, a number of Independents are examining the possibility of forming alliances in the next Dáil to give them greater influence in parliamentary debates. Groups of seven deputies or more have entitlements on priority questions and Private Members' Bills, and are also allowed additional secretarial assistance.