The acting Justice Minister is hopeful that a vote to elect a new Taoiseach could take place before the end of the week.

Frances Fitzgerald has said it’s ‘time to make final decisions’ after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael endorsed a deal last night that could see a minority Government led by Enda Kenny until 2018.

The so-called ‘confidence and supply arrangement’ also includes the suspension of water charges – but it still needs the backing of several Independent TDs.

Fine Gael will meet with Independent groups later today seeking their support.

Frances Fitzgerald thinks we could be close to a deal: “I see the huge work that is being put in by everyone and as I say with a big effort by everyone and I think that is what is being done at present.

“I think we could make a lot of progress by this evening but it is a big effort and a lot of work and intensive work and it is day 70 by Friday so it is time to make final decisions.”