Talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail - aimed at helping the former to assemble a minority government - have resumed this afternoon.

But the two parties will not hold any further meetings this weekend - and will instead only maintain 'contacts' before meeting again on Monday.

Today's talks came after their two party leaders spoke by phone this morning.

Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin held what has been referred to as a 'cordial and professional' call.

'Contacts' between FG and FF will continue, but no more meetings until Monday pic.twitter.com/A9fn6DYusN

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) April 15, 2016

Although Martin has now abandoned his own bid for power, a second term for Fine Gael is not yet a foregone conclusion - as it firstly requires the backing of another six independents, in addition to the two who are already on board.

Those independents won't enter the tent until Fine Gael can first guarantee the support of Fianna Fail from outside.

But some major hurdles remain - for one, the future of Irish Water.

Earlier this week the Fine Gael parliamentary party reaffirmed its support for the Irish Water utility and charging model - and this morning minister Paschal Donohoe insisted the party's policy was firm.

However Jim O'Callaghan, one of Fianna Fáil's negotiators, says the utility should be scrapped:

There also remains dispute about whether a written agreement will be offered to underpin any deal between the two parties.

Fianna Fail would prefer to offer an oral assurance in the Dáil, but Fine Gael is insisting it cannot depend on any arrangement unless it is able to invoke it in writing.