Fianna Fáil would abstain in next week's vote for Taoiseach - and allow Enda Kenny to take a second term in office - if enough independents commit to supporting Fine Gael in the coming days.

The development is likely to se Independent TDs come under greater pressure this weekend to state which of the two major parties - if either - they are prepared to support. 

The developments come after Fianna Fáil yesterday rejected an offer to participate in a full coalition alongside Fine Gael and some of those independents.

That move means the only options for government, and avoiding a second election, are minority governments led by one party or the other.

The Independent Alliance is set to seek a joint meeting with the two party leaders to discuss a path forward - but both parties are now set to ask Independents to end their talks and decide which party they are happy to support.

This lunchtime Fianna Fáil's Jack Chambers said the party would abstain in the next vote for Taoiseach, if enough independents support Enda Kenny.

Today FM understands this is in line with a softening Fianna Fáil position that recognises how the party's own ambitions for government now depend on securing most, if not all, of the 15 independents who have taken part in talks.

If Fine Gael secures the support of enough of those independents in the coming days, Fianna Fáil will have no prospect of governing itself - and will then abstain in the Dáil vote, clearing the way for Enda Kenny will begin a second term in office.

However it's not clear how sustainable this arrangement might be, as it would not be based on any major policy arrangements between the two larger parties, and Fine Gael would not enjoy the unquestioned confidence of Fianna Fáil. 

FF's Timmy Dooley says independents will now have to make up their minds who they want in government: