Michael Healy-Rae is expected to ask for a super-junior ministerial role in the next government.
The deal with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would see the Kerry TD clinch favourable terms for his constituency in exchange for his support, and that of his brother Danny. And, if granted it, would mean Healy-Rae would take a seat at cabinet despite being a lower-ranking minister.
The horse trading is one element of the government formation talks that are proceeding faster than expected.
Political correspondent Jack Horgan Jones says we could see a deal struck by tomorrow and a government in place as early as next week.
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But who would be Taoiseach first in a new arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, which Independents could land a ministerial portfolio and why is controversial Tipperary TD Michael Lowry playing such a central role in the deal-making?
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Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Aideen Finnegan.
