Government formation talks are to intensify this week after Fianna Fail and Fine Gael agreed the bones of a joint policy paper over the weekend.
Party leaders Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar are set to formally sign off on the short document – just over 20 pages – before the parliamentary parties give their approval.
The Taoiseach said yesterday the old Civil War enemy parties found a lot in common in their negotiations.
Mr Varadkar told the Sunday Independent: “Part of the political tradition that I come from believes in the concept of a social market economy.
“We recognise that a market economy, being pro-business, pro enterprise, having relatively low taxes, all those things, is the best way to generate wealth.
“But it’s not the best way to distribute wealth and the role of government is to make sure you build a good, functional society with affordable access to healthcare, education, housing and childcare for all.
“I think what we’re all developing with Fianna Fail is very much in line with that traditional belief in a social market economy.”
The next part of the coalition plan sees the policy paper sent on to the smaller parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gaek are eying up as a “third pillar” in a possible coalition.
The parties being cosied-up to at the moment are the Social Democrats, Labour and the Green Party.
Last night the Social Democrats hinted they are open for business.
Co-leader Roisin Shortall said the parties would have to demonstrate they “are serious about ensuring things are different from now on”.
She added: “We’re certainly open to looking at the document if Fine Gael or Fianna Fail have come to the conclusion that they got it wrong over the last number of years and they are prepared to do things differently.”
