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FF left in the doldrums as other parties discuss rainbow coalition By Maol Muire Tynan, Political Reporter

DISCUSSIONS on the formation of a rainbow coalition are well under way between the leaders of all the politcal parties in Leinster House except Fianna Fail, with a view to establishing an alternative administration within days.

It has emerged that the issue of a rotating Taoiseach will not be a major sticking point with the Labour leadership. Fine Gael insistence that Mr John Bruton should take up the position in a new government will not prevent Mr Dick Spring agreeing to join a rainbow coalition.

Mr Bruton said last night he believed that a new government could be formed "within days" as a political vacuum had prevailed since the Cork by-elections last month and there were pressing political issues at stake.

Much groundwork had already been done by the different parties in terms of their requirements in an alternative administration, he said, but he declined to speculate on whether the rainbow coalition was likely to consist of a three- or four-party alliance.

In order to advance the talks rapidly, a second round of contacts between the party leaders took place last night.

Before the start of the special Dail statements on the Brendan Smyth controversy, Mr Bruton had a 45-minute meeting with Mr Spring in his offices and also held discussions with the leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, and the leader of Democratic Left, Mr Proinsias de Rossa.

Separate talks on the formation of an alliance also took place between Mr Spring and the leaders of the smaller parties yesterday afternoon, and position papers have already been exchanged between some of the parties.

According to some Labour sources, Mr Spring is "anxious not to exclude anyone at this stage", and it is understood he believes that a coalition can be crafted within a very short period. The renegotiated programme for government that Labour had almost concluded with Fianna Fail will form the basis of its talks with the rainbow parties.

Indicating that her party was willing to play a role in attempting to form a government, Ms Harney stressed that the new coalition must be "credible, durable and effective". Sources in the party said last night that policy considerations would dictate whether the Progressive Democrats could participate in a coalition.

Warning that his party would not be "bounced" into a coalition, Mr Pat Rabbitte of Democratic Left said the issues had to be carefully considered. Politicians in Leinster House said they believed the new administration would ultimately consist of a three-party government since such an arrangement provided more Cabinet seats for each party and meant fewer complications in policy implementation.

It is understood that Labour would prefer to see Democratic Left accompany it in a new alliance, and while Fine Gael would favour the PDs it would also find Democratic Left acceptable.

In the carve-up of Cabinet seats, both the Progressive Democrats and Democratic Left would fight for two seats.
