Independent TDs indicated they will not allow differences over localised issues to derail agreement with Fine Gael over their participation in a minority government.

John Halligan, Independent Alliance TD for Waterford, yesterday said unless he gets a deal on cardiac care for the southeast he will not back a Fine Gael minority government, and that he has the support of the other five Independent Alliance TDs.

However, some of his fellow Independents told The Irish Times that, while they would support Mr Halligan, they will not let a single issue derail agreement bringing them into government.

Mr Halligan is expected to meet Minister for Health Leo Varadkar today to discuss his requests for an extension to cardiac care at Waterford Hospital.

In a statement last night, Mr Varadkar indicated that a special arrangement for Waterford was unlikely.

Negotiations

“Even in the wealthiest countries, resources for health are finite and decisions on where specialist and regional centres are located should be made following an expert clinical review . . . not as a consequence of a political deal,” it said.

The Independent Alliance and a group of rural Independent TDs will meet Fine Gael negotiators today to discuss a joint programme for government. Telephone contact took place over the weekend.

Fine Gael hopes it can form a government this week with Independent support, after a deal with Fianna Fáil before the weekend.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said a deal could be sealed by Thursday.

Rejected

But Independents warned last night that several outstanding issues remain. They rejected a suggested agenda for today’s talks from Fine Gael last night, saying it did not allow enough time for discussions.

Independents will also discuss among themselves the allocation of ministerial positions that would come with any agreement to join a minority administration.

While TDs stressed that the group remained united, sources say privately they expect discussions to be difficult.

The Independent Alliance, of six TDs, has not discussed the issue partly, a member said, because of how difficult it will be.

Independents are also likely to seek some of the Taoiseach’s 11 nominations to the Seanad.

Mr Kenny’s position will be eased now that the Green Party is abstaining from the vote on the election of the taoiseach, reducing the votes he needs from 58 to 57.

Senior sources said the Labour Party was almost certain to vote against Mr Kenny because Fine Gael agreed to the suspension of water charges.