Independent TD for Tipperary North Michael Lowry has stated that "the only viable government" likely to last the full term was an administration led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and he would be happy to enter negotiations about supporting that government.
He said yesterday Independent TDs required a government that would last up to five years and he did not see any other government "staying the distance".
"I made my position clear before the election. I said that if Enda Kenny was in a position to form a government, I would be happy to support him, and in the event of him not being in a position to form a government, I would be available for negotiations with a government led by Bertie Ahern," Mr Lowry said.
He added: "The harsh reality of politics is that Independents in particular require a government that will sustain over the period of four-and-a-half to five years. I don't see any option other than a government led by Bertie Ahern staying the distance and I have made it clear that, in due course, I'd be happy to sit down and negotiate, if required, in such circumstances."
Asked if he had been approached by Mr Ahern, he replied: "I have had approaches, informal approaches, from a number of sources."
Independent TD for Dublin Central Tony Gregory said no approaches had been made to him about supporting a Fianna Fáil-led government, nor did he expect to be approached until the other Independents had pledged their support.
Independent TD for Dublin North Central Finian McGrath said yesterday there had been no "formal" approach made to him by Fianna Fáil.
He had stated his "key issues" in any negotiation would be services for people with disabilities, as well as "the whole health issue and also educational issues like class size and support for educational disadvantage".
He added: "I gave a commitment in my election manifesto that I would back families and people on health issues and disability issues."
Apart from these, "I have a number of local issues as well".
As for his position on US troops using Shannon airport, the Corrib gas pipeline, Irish neutrality and the proposed EU constitution, he said: "These are issues I will be raising but they won't be 'holy grails' in any way."
He said he had been advised that "nothing's going to happen" until today, when "I expect to be getting the serious calls" from Fianna Fáil.
"I think they are having their own internal talks at the moment."
