Local councillors hoping an 11th hour solution can be found to avert Christmas election

Talks aimed at averting a snap general election over the Garda whistleblower controversy continue between Leo Varadkar and Michael Martin today.

Meetings between the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader over the weekend have been described as productive, but also sensitive, as both sides stick to their respective lines that the Tanaiste must stay, or go.

Fianna Fail’s motion of no confidence is scheduled for tomorrow night – and unless a solution can be found before then – a Christmas election is inevitable.

However local councilors in Kilkenny and Carlow say they hope a solution will be found at the 11th hour.

Nobody wants to face into a Christmas election appears to be the general consensus.

But Carlow Fine Gael Councillor John Murphy told KCLR News that if push comes to shove, he thinks his party need to stick by Frances Fitzgerald.

Local Independent Councillor Charlie Murphy says the two sides need to come together and sort themselves out in the public interest.

Meanwhile, if an election is called, Fine Gael Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, David Fitzgerald says he will consider putting his name forward.

Councillor Fitzgerald ran in both the 2015 by-election and last year’s general election.

Speaking to KCLR News he says he hasn’t yet made up his mind.