Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil agree draft Programme for Government

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin today welcomed an agreement to form the next government, along with the support of a number of Independent TDs.

The draft Programme for Government will be presented to the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parliamentary parties this afternoon.

It will now be the subject of approval by the party memberships over the coming days.

This will then clear the way for the nomination of a Taoiseach when the Dail returns on January 22^nd and the formation of the 35^th Government of Ireland.

The agreement comes following negotiations by teams from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Regional Independent Group.

Both party leaders today said the focus was on a strong and stable government to deliver continued progress on the economy, infrastructure, housing and public services over the coming years.

If agreed, the leaders said, the two parties will work together – along with their Independent colleagues – to deliver for families and tackle the challenges facing the country.