Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD says his party should take what he’s called an “active role” in talks on a new government.
However, Cathal Crowe admits the ideological differences between his party and Sinn Féin could be difficult to overcome.
On the day after they were formally elected Clare’s TDs have been giving their views on the next government and next Dáil.
All seats have now been filled in the 33rd Dail, with Fianna Fail the largest party on 38 seats, Sinn Fein on 37 and Fine Gael on 35.
There will be 12 Green TDs, Labour and Social Democrats will have 6 seats, while Solidarity People Before Profit have secured 5.
Aontu returns with 1 seat, while there will be 20 Independents.
The figures make government formation very difficult, and the process that lies ahead could take a number of weeks.
At this stage, it’s unclear just who will be in government, but Clare’s Fine Gael TD Joe Carey thinks his party should not be part of the next administration.
Joe Carey believes it’s time for Fine Gael to go into opposition.
Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara could play a key role in this process, as Independents are likely to be contacted by the main party leaders to guage their potential support.
The former Labour TD says he will consider his options over the coming weeks but says he believes the vote of the people should be respected.
Sinn Féin’s newly elected Clare TD, meanwhile, is hopeful that her party leader will be the next Taoiseach.
Mary Lou McDonald has said her preference is for a coalition of the left, but it’s unlikely this grouping could command a majority.
New Clare SF TD Violet-Anne Wynne believes the electorate is keen to see Sinn Féin at the head of a new government.
Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe says he is expecting tough talks over the coming weeks, but says the most important thing for all sides now is that a functioning government can be put in place:
He wants his party to be part of the new government, but admits striking a deal with Sinn Féin will prove difficult.
