It’s 53 days since the General Election – and government formation talks finally appear to be making progress.

This is the longest time on record it has taken to form a government here.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are discussing how a minority administration led by Enda Kenny would work, amid reports that Enda Kenny is likely to vacate his position “within months” even if he is successfully re-elected.

Mr Kenny’s position as leader of Fine Gael and as the prospective Taoiseach has been an impediment to progress in talks with Independents, but senior sources have confirmed Mr Kenny will not lead his party into another election.

Over the weekend it was reported that Labour is now considering backing Fine Gael in power, but this is now looking more doubtful.

The matter is being considered by party TDs, who would need the backing of a special conference to rejoin Government.

The issue of Irish Water is still considered to be a sticking point for both parties.

Meanwhile, the country appears to be divided on whether we should have another General Election.

A poll carried out for Claire Byrne Live has found 45% wanted an election, while 42% preferred a Fine Gael-led government, and 13% said they did not know.

The poll of 1,000 adults was carried out yesterday by Amarách Research.

On a separate issue, the poll found only 12% supported the Luas workers’ strike action. 82% were against it and 6% were “don’t knows”.