Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are resume meetings today in a bid to form a new government.
Some thought the escalating Covid-19 crisis would see the talks postponed.
But the public health and economic emergency has focused minds to get a coalition agreed and up and running.
Observers said they will again try to hammer out the policy differences that scuppered previous talks between the parties in the wake of the General Election.
Fine Gael was represented by Paschal Donohoe and Simon Coveney, while Dara Calleary and Barry Cowen spoke for Fianna Fail.
The Green Party is still expected to play some part in a coalition that would provide stability.
But party leader Eamon Ryan calling for a united national government to steer a course through the Covid-19 crisis first.
Speaking after the meeting last night, Mr Donohoe said: “In the aftermath of our parliamentary party meeting, the party will then form a view of what they believe the next steps are.” Fine Gael’s grouping of TDs, senators and MEPs will meet this afternoon to discuss the progress of the talks.
In keeping with official advice to combat the spread of Covid-19, social distancing will be employed at the meeting.
Today’s Dail sitting to pass coronavirus outbreak emergency powers has also been hit by the precautions.
There will be no more than 20 TDs to be allowed to sit in the chamber at any one time.
