Fine Gael and Labour are facing into a third day of negotiations on forming a new coalition government.
Delegates have been briefed by a number of financial and economic bodies already, and say a very serious picture’s being painted.]
Labour’s deputy leader Joan Burton last night described the economic briefings the party’s teams have received so far as ‘very sobering’.
Both sides have been given access to a range of figures and information for the first time.
And now comments from the German Chancellor could add to the problems of the as-yet-incomplete coalition.
Angela Merkel last night insisted it’s not possible to ‘artificially lower’ the interest rate being charged on Ireland’s bailout deal.
That’s despite Enda Kenny’s high hopes of re-negotiating the 85 billion euro deal.
It’s hoped the coalition talks can be wrapped up by the weekend, in time for both parties to sign off on it before the new Dáil meets for the first time next Wednesday.
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