Almost two-thirds of the public disagree with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael doing business with Tipperary TD Michael Lowry, who was heavily criticised in the 2011 report of the Moriarty tribunal.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members have voted to ratify the draft Programme for Government that will see both parties form a coalition government

Talks to agree a new programme for government are expected to intensify over the coming days, with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris stating his aim is to form a government that can "deliver five budgets".

Fine Gael has held the first of five regional meetings with party members over the Programme for Government document.

Fine Gael has been urged to consider a stint in opposition to rebuild the party – by one of its own elected representatives in Galway. The doubts come as two Galway Independent TDs re-engaged in Government formation talks this week with negotiation teams from the two Civil War parties.

Letterkenny cllr Jimmy Kavanagh has said that if he were elected to Seanad Éireann it would be an opportunity for Fine Gael to have a voice in Dublin.

Only three of the 15 Ministers are women: Helen McEntee, Jennier Carroll MacNeill and Norma Foley, which makes for a ratio of 80:20 of men to women. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has said it is “deeply disappointing” that the number of women in cabinet has reduced by 25 per cent to just three.

Renewing her criticism of the deal with Independents behind the formation of the new Government, Ms McDonald said Mr Martin had changed from once describing Michael Lowry TD, key negotiator for the Independents, as a “rogue politician” to now making him a “kingmaker”.

Only one Minister in the outgoing government has kept their old position as Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a major reshuffle of his Cabinet. In sweeping changes that saw former Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue dropped, several surprises saw six new senior ministers appointed.

The Longford-Westmeath TD was only appointed to Cabinet in April after Simon Harris became Taoiseach and with his background in accountancy and business, it is not a surprise that the remains in the role. Pat Leahy reports that his appointment has been confirmed.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has appointed his Cabinet, with major changes having taken place as Jim O’Callaghan received the justice portfolio and James Browne becomes Housing Minister.

The results of a TG4/Ipsos B&A constituency poll for the five-seater Kerry constituency suggest Michael Healy-Rae will top the poll receiving a whopping 27% of … A TG4 Ipsos B&A opinion poll for ...