Ahern, Harney to put coalition proposals to parties

Negotiations on the formation of the next coalition government were finalised today, according to a Government spokesman.

Negotiations on the formation of the next coalition government were finalised today, according to a Government spokesman.

The spokesman said today a draft Programme for Government had been completed and Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats were now set to put the proposals to executive party members.

The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern is set to meet the Tánaiste Ms Mary Harney tomorrow to approve the document before both put it to their respective ruling party councils.

"The Fianna Fáil National Executive and the Progressive Democrats’ General Council will meet separately tomorrow evening to consider the programme,"Government Information Services said in a statement.

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"A decision in relation to publication of the document will be made by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste at their meeting tomorrow."

Negotiating teams from the two parties have been in discussions since last week with a view to renewing their coalition partnership, which has been in government since 1997.

Ms Mary Harney said last week there were "around six" sticking points in the talks.

These include the construction of the national stadium at Campus Stadium Ireland in Abbotstown, PD proposals to privatise state companies such as the ESB and the filling of Cabinet posts and junior ministries.

Ms Harney is expected to hold the post of Tánaiste as well as take a senior ministry, while the current Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell - who topped the poll in Dublin South East - is mooted to become Minister for Justice.