The potential make-up of the new Government is being discussed behind closed doors.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil held their first parliamentary party meetings since the election yesterday, where they thrashed out redline topics that would prevent them from forming a coalition.

The issue of abolishing Irish Water is expected to be the main sticking point with the two biggest parties taking opposing stances.

Independent TDs are also expected to be crucial components of the new Dáil.

Independent Deputy in Kerry South, Michael Healy-Rae, says creating a Minister for Rural Development could win their support: “All of the issues that are important to TDs whether they are from Kerry, Clare, Mayo, along the west coast of Ireland.

“Issues such as broadband, the protection of our Post Office network, all of the things that are important particularly in rural areas.

“They would come under the umbrella of a Minister for Rural Development, and I think that issues like that would be important to Independents.”