The Fianna Fáil leader wants any discussion on forming a new government to be parked for a month - so that the new TDs can instead discuss proposals for major Dáil reform.

The statement from Micheal Martin this evening is the first time any of the major party leaders have commented on how government talks should be handled.

He says that because the outgoing cabinet remains in place until a new one is formed, and as Enda Kenny has committed not to passing any new laws or making ministerial appointments, there is less urgency for talks on a new government.

In this light, Martin says, any coalition talk should be parked for a month - and, within a fortnight, each party should send someone to a negotiating committee which would then have another two weeks to agree to changes in the running of the Dáil.

Fianna Fáíl's own suggestions include major reforms in how laws is passed, in particular the speed at which laws are pushed through, and on the government'Â’s ability to control the Dáil agenda.

If the changes were adopted, it could pave the way for Fianna Fáil to take a step back and allow others to take a lead in forming a new government - with Fianna Fáil then taking a slightly more powerful role in opposition.

However, it could also be a precursor for Fianna Fáil to then take its own steps towards power - because by giving parliament great power and allowing more decisions to be made by consensus, it may be easier for a minority government to get laws passed.