Ireland moves closer to forming a new government
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Two of Ireland's biggest political parties are close to finalising a deal to form a coalition with independent politicians to return to power for another five-year term. Two politicians have indicated an agreement is close to allow Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to govern - the centre-right parties are the largest members of the outgoing coalition.
They collectively fell just short of the 88 seats needed to form a majority in the general election held on 29 November. Irish media are reporting both parties have now secured support from seven independent candidates, who make up the Regional Independent Group.
Analysis: The groundbreaking coalition returns in Ireland - but challenges loom from the US. The election result left Fianna Fail the largest party in Ireland - led by deputy prime minister Micheal Martin - on 48 seats out of 174 in parliament. Sinn Fein secured 39 and Fine Gael - led by prime minister Simon Harris - won 38.
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have refused to work with Sinn Fein because of its historical ties with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Peter Burke, senior Fine Gael TD (TDs are members of the lower house of parliament or Dail), told RTE radio that talks had not yet concluded, but a programme for government "should be published within the next 24 hours".
