FF And FG Talks Dismissed As 'Not Serious' By SF

Discussions between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been dismissed as "not serious negotiations at all", by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

Mr Adams made the comments in the Dáil following the failed vote to elected a new Taoiseach.

"We have heard, once again, the many virtues of the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and no doubt everyone will consider these fine qualities when we come to vote, or not to vote," Mr Adams said.

"Sinn Féin is prepared to talk to all parties and none and is currently engaging in talks with those parties and Independents who will talk to us. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, however, have ruled us out."

Teachta Adams criticised the absence of real debate in the Dáil on issues impacting citizens including the "1,972 citizens who have been on hospitals trolleys since the House last met, over 192 of whom were to be found at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in my constituency.

This is the centenary of 1916 and we learned this morning that the homelessness figures doubled in February. There are 5,881 citizens, including 1,881 children, in emergency accommodation.

Thousands more families are paying unsustainable mortgages and demanding action on water charges. However, this Dáil, led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, decided that we will not discuss these issues. We will not discuss the plight of the children in the care of the State who are denied the protections they deserve."

(MH)