Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has cautioned against anyone assuming that his party’s involvement in the next government is a foregone conclusion.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the British-Irish Council near Edinburgh, Harris addressed ongoing speculation about a potential rotational Taoiseach arrangement, and was asked about the likelihood of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil re-entering government together.
Harris dismissed the insinuation that the negotiations were merely a formality.
“There is far too much presumption in relation to the outcome of government talks before government talks have even taken place,” he said.
“I wouldn’t take my party for granted, and I think fewer public musings and more concrete engagement is the way to proceed.”
Meanwhile, when asked if it was a given that Simon Harris would benefit from a rotating Taoiseach agreement, Micheál Martin said that nothing could be taken for granted.
“I think we have to respect every party and I think until we get into substantive talks, I’m not presuming anything,” he said.
“We have sounded out a number of independents this week, I’m due to meet with the other political parties next week, so I think, in earnest, there will be meetings next week.
“I take nothing for granted, and until agreements have been reached and completed, nobody can take anything for granted.”