The Taoiseach has said he does not see any issues causing ‘insurmountable’ difficulties between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats in negotiations which will determine the next Government.
Mr Ahern made the comments at the end of a two-hour meeting with the Tánaiste Ms Harney, where the leaders discussed a programme for the next Government.
He said there were about six items left for the parties to agree on and the parties negotiating teams would draft proposals on these matters over the weekend.
The Taoiseach said he would meet with Ms Harney next week to conclude the negotiations. This morning’s two-hour-long meeting which was held in private, was called to resolve what were referred to as 'substantial' differences between their parties.
It came after 30 hours of negotiations between the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrat negotiating teams.
Five or six key issues were understood to have created a stumbling block for the negotiating teams, including the proposed Stadium Ireland project. The Taoiseach refused to be drawn on the matter by journalists, saying agreement was down to finding ‘wording that we can ensure we can implement’.
Prior to the General Election, PD leader Ms Harney said she would not re-enter a coalition government with Fianna Fáil unless the project, orginally estimated to cost €400 million and rising since, was dropped.
Negotiations will continue over the weekend, and a document for a new programme of government will be presented to both sides next Tuesday.
