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THE Healy-Rae brothers want to join the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independents coalition and are seeking a ministerial position, the Irish Sun understands.

Negotiations to form the next Government are heating up with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael set for talks with the Regional Independent Group and the Healy-Rae brothers tomorrow.

PA:Press Association

Teams from both parties today discussed plans for energy and housing as they come closer to agreeing a draft Programme for Government.

Leaders Micheal Martin and Simon Harris need a third party to make up the numbers for the Dail with the Regional Independent Group, led by Michael Lowry, in the driving seat to take this position.

However, Kerry TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also set for talks with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael this week.

The Regional Independent Group are expected to do a deal to join the Government with the Healy-Raes seen as possible backups to bolster Dail numbers.

The Irish Sun understands that the Healy-Rae brothers are keen to enter coalition and will not be signing up to a deal where they provide support from the opposition benches.

Instead, the Healy-Raes are open to a ministerial position as they want to go “all in” if they are going to go into Government.

A source said: “There is only one thing on the wish list and that is what is best for the people of Kerry. If that means a ministerial position, great.

“The brothers don’t want to be one foot in and one foot out so if they are doing a deal with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael then it will be to join the Government benches.”

The Irish Sun understands that there has been contact between the Healy-Rae camp and Michael Lowry’s Regional Independents but the Kerry TDs have no intention of joining the grouping.

Independent Ireland TDs Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, Michael Fitzmaurice and Ken O’Flynn remain open for talks and are due to meet reps from Fine Gael and Fianna Fail this week.

The two main party leaders have been in daily contact as they try to hammer out a Programme for Government before the Dail returns on January 22.

However, any deal would have to be signed off by both parties’ memberships and a third coalition party with concern that January 22 deadline may be missed.

UPPER HOUSE HOPES

NINE ex-TDs are hoping to revive their careers in the Seanad after missing out in the general election – including well-known politicians such as Alan Farrell, Cathal Berry and Chris Andrews.

Nominations for the Seanad elections close today with more than 130 candidates competing for 49 seats in a complicated election process.

There are 60 seats in the Upper House, however, 11 of these are directly appointed by the Taoiseach and will be carved up as part of Government formation talks between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

A further six senators are elected by graduates of Trinity College and the National Universities with some well-known politicians in the running including former Green Minister Ossian Smyth, Independent Senator Tom Clonan, and ex-Minister Katherine Zappone.

Former Justice Minister Michael McDowell is also running in the university panel with ex-rugby star Hugo MacNeil running for the Trinity panel.

This leaves over 100 candidates vying for 43 seats across a range of different panels that are elected by local councillors and current TDs.

Alongside the Green Party’s Ossian Smyth, there are eight other ex-TDs running for the Seanad to try and keep their political careers burning after losing out in General Election 2024.

These include chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party Alan Farrell, ex-Fianna Fail junior minister Anne Rabbitte and her party colleague Joe Flaherty.

Sinn Fein’s Pauline Tully and Chris Andrews are also bidding for the Seanad along with the party’s Economic Minister in the North Conor Murphy.

Former Green Party minister Malcolm Noonan is also in the running for the Seanad along with ex-independent TDs Cathal Berry and Matt Shanahan.

A number of other well-known names have also thrown their hats in the ring including CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins.

A number of high profile former Senators are also seeking re-election including Lorraine Clifford Lee, Sean Kyne, Tim Lombard, Niall Blaney, Gerard Craughwell, Sharon Keogan, Gerry Horkan, Mary Seery Kearney, Eileen Flynn, Martin Conway, Alice Mary Higgins and Ronan Mullen.

Senators are elected to a range of panels including administrative, industrial and commercial, labour, agriculture and cultural and education.

Votes are sent in by post and will be completed by January 30 when the counting begins.

Senators are paid almost €80,000 per year to debate, amend, propose, and vote on legislation.

A referendum on the future of the Seanad was held in 2013 with voters deciding not to abolish the Upper House by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

A STRIKING knit jumper has landed in Marks and Spencer – and shoppers have hailed it a “gem of a jumper”.

The Striped Ribbed Button Detail Relaxed Jumper is available online and in stores across the country.

The statement jumper has a crew neckline, ribbed trim and a relaxed fit.

Marks and Spencer bosses said the sweater has a “laid-back look”.

They said: “This striped jumper is an easy way to bring a touch of nautical-inspired style to your wardrobe.

“It’s designed in a relaxed fit for a laid-back look, with a comfy crew neckline and warm long sleeves.

“Ribbed detailing adds a textured touch, while military-style buttons at the side vents offer a neat finish.”

It ranges in sizes from extra-small to extra-large.

Shoppers can choose from a gorgeous cream mix or a classic black mix.

M&S chiefs have slashed the price on the black version from €50 to a bargain €30.

The fashion retailer teamed the jumper with light blue classic mom jeans.

Get the look with their High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans reduced from €95 to €25.

Style the jumper with a mini skirt for a brunch date or pair with leggings for lounging around the house.

Shoppers took to the reviews to rate the knit jumper.

One person said: “Smart jumper to dress up or down with a skirt or jeans. The button finish is attractive and unusual.”

Another said: “Lovely soft warm ribbed jumper. Very comfortable to wear. Love the button detail.”

While another added: “I love this jumper the buttons up the side are so cool.

“Can be left open, nice and warm. As usual sleeves so long but turned them up and a little stitch and they look good.”

One shopper said: “A much appreciated gift I bought this superb jumper for my elder daughter as a birthday present.

“I loved it for its stylishness and quality. I loved the side-buttoning and the originality of design. I checked the garment’s suitability with my younger daughter.

“She approved it enthusiastically. Needless to say, the recipient, who can be hard to satisfy in matter of fashion, was delighted.”

While another added: “A beautiful jumper which is in my favourite colours. It is of good quality and exactly the type of jumper I love with the button details.”

Tim Ireland/PA Wire

HISTORY OF MARKS & SPENCER

WHEN Michael Marks, an immigrant from the north of England, was able to obtain a stall in Leeds' Kirkgate Market in 1884, M&S was born.

He used the catchphrase “Don’t ask the price, it’s a ‘penny'” to build his career after arriving with little money and minimal command of English.

His little booth selling basic home goods was rapidly booming because of this simple idea and his diligent work.

Michael teamed up with Dewhirst wholesalers’ cashier Tom Spencer to help his expanding firm.

This collaboration gave rise to “Marks & Spencer” and its initial Penny Bazaar locations, which helped the company take shape as we know it today.

Marks & Spencer then went on to first opened its doors in Ireland on Mary Street in Dublin on November 13, 1979.

More than 15,000 purchases were made on the first day of trading.