The country is on an election knife edge after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin failed to agree a poll date last night.
However, a source told the Irish Mirror the Fine Gael chief is ready to go to the people on February 7 if the Government folds.
Crunch talks between the two leaders broke up with no deal after just an hour but it was hoped an agreement could be reached on a possible date in April or May.
A statement from both camps said: “The two leaders had a constructive meeting.
“They discussed Dail numbers and possible legislative proposals which could be passed in a further Dail session.
“They agreed to consider matters further and to meet again next week.”
The end of this administration in the next week is looking ever more likely as the Government now looks to independents to guarantee its ongoing survival.
But cold water has already been thrown on this plan B.
Michael Healy-Rae TD represented the views of many independents in the Dail when he said: “This Government’s race is finally run.”
The Co Kerry representative colourfully described the Government as like, “A car speeding down a hill, on four bald tyres, running out of fuel, with no brakes”.
An election next month is now almost inevitable as the Government cannot guarantee a majority to run the day-to-day business of the Dail when it returns next Wednesday.
Mr Varadkar has the power to call an election now and is expected to use it before it is taken away from him when the next motion of no confidence in a Government minister is called.
If this happens and the Taoiseach loses control he is at the mercy of one or two independents to keep the Government going. And one of them yesterday announced they will
be calling their own motion of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris, on February 5.
Cork South-West TD, Michael Collins, said: “I am hopeful any self-respecting politician will support this motion.
“I think it would be carried.”
Fianna Fail was asked last week by the Taoiseach if it would vote for the Government, instead of just abstaining, over the coming months.
It has refused to agree to this as it is not what was signed up to in the Confidence and Supply deal.
Mr Varadkar accepted this rejection yesterday.
Prior to yesterday’s meeting he told reporters: “I can’t predict the outcome of the conversation with the leader of Fianna Fail tonight.
“The Cabinet is due to meet on Tuesday, the Dail will reconvene on Wednesday and that is the position, until such time as it may change.”
