As government formation talks continue, the Irish Mirror now understands that a government is unlikely to be in place before January 22
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has defended negotiating a government with Michael Lowry despite the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.
READ MORE: Simon Harris says closure of Israeli Embassy in Dublin is 'distraction' and Ireland 'won't be silenced'The Moriarty Tribunal investigated, among other things, Mr Lowry’s dealings with several high-profile businessmen and payments made to politicians. It found that when he was communications minister, he helped Denis O’Brien’s company to win Ireland’s second mobile phone licence.
The Taoiseach also dismissed questions on whether he would invite Gerry “The Monk” Hutch to negotiations, saying he did not think the “comparison is the same at all”. There are ongoing tensions in Fianna Fáil as the party looks likely to nominate at least three people. This includes outgoing Ceann Seán Ó Fearghaíl. John McGuinness has put his name forward, and Michael Moynihan is being urged to do the same.
Mr Harris stood by the remarks on Monday, noting she is not a Fine Gael member for “very good reason”. Despite their past, the Irish Mirror understands that Fine Gael will likely support Ms Murphy in Wednesday's secret ballot.
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