Clare's Fianna Fáil TD says independents will be crucial in deciding who takes charge of the new Government.
It comes as two groups of independents have said they won't back either Mícheál Martin or Enda Kenny in this afternoon's vote for Taoiseach.
The Dáil will hold a second vote for Taoiseach this afternoon with Mícheál Martin, Enda Kenny and the first woman – Ruth Coppinger all nominated for the top job – but its expected no one will win.
Gerry Adams won't put his name forward to be elected Taoiseach as he says today's sitting of the Dáil is entirely pointless and a charade.
Two groups, the Independent Alliance and the Rural Alliance have indicated they'll abstain in votes for a new Taoiseach.
But Clare Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley, says Independents will be crucial in deciding who takes charge of the new Government.
Independents met with Fine Gael again this morning ahead of the vote, to discuss deficiencies in a document presented to them last night.
Following fifty hours of talks with the party, Clare's Independent TD has described the document as "disappointing", saying a number of issues discussed were omitted.
The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders have finally agreed to their first face-to-face meeting this evening.
The issue of Irish Water has provided a stumbling block for both parties and Deputy Harty says an agreement on that could bring a degree of satisfaction to both sides.
Clare's Fine Gael TD insists the next week to ten days are critical when it comes to the formation of the new Government.
Pat Breen believes both parties will have to reflect on what has happened in recent weeks and says the sooner a Government is in place, the sooner policies can be progressed.
