MR BERTIE AHERN is to have further discussions with Independent deputies in the next few days before his expected election as Taoiseach on Thursday.
There is continuing speculation that he will nominate the Labour TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Mr Seamus Pattison, for the post of Ceann Comhairle. Mr Pattison said yesterday, however, that he had not been approached about the job.
"I haven't been approached or asked," he said. "So it's difficult to give an answer to a question that you haven't been asked." There had been "vague remarks" made to him concerning the post, "but I couldn't interpret them as being asked if I would take the job".
The appointment of a Fine Gael, Labour or Democratic Left TD as Ceann Comhairle would ease the pressure on Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats, who, with 82 seats, would then need the support of just one other TD to ensure Mr Ahern's election as Taoiseach. There has been speculation that Mr Ahern might offer the post to Fine Gael TD Mr Jim Mitchell, who is out of the State and unavailable for comment.
The Fianna Fail leader is expected to talk to a number of Independents in the next few days about securing longer term support for his expected minority government. There is no anxiety apparent in Fianna Fail ranks, with the party confident it will secure the necessary support.
The Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins, said yesterday he had received no approaches from Mr Ahern or Mr Bruton, nor did he expect any. "I made it clear from the start that I would not support any right wing nominee for Taoiseach," he said.
Mr Michael Lowry has said he will support Mr Bruton for Taoiseach. The Green Party will decide tomorrow night how its two deputies will approach the election of a Taoiseach.
The Independent Fianna Fail deputy, Mr Harry Blaney; Mr Tom Gildea, who was elected on the television deflector issue; Dublin Central TD Mr Tony Gregory; Kerry South Independent Mr Jackie HealyRae, and Sinn Fein TD Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain could not be contacted for comment yesterday. Wicklow deputy Ms Mildred Fox will be out of the State until Wednesday.