Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin would prefer coalition with Fine Gael as he rules out deal with Sinn Fein

Mr Martin has ruled out a deal with a resurgent Sinn Féin, arguing he cannot work with the party on the economy. He said there are differences between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael 'but on broader macro principles, I think there is stronger alignment on the enterprise question and the economic model that has served this country well'.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald now believes she can chart a path to victory, although she will not commit to what the make-up of a new government might be. 'This election, in real terms, opens up the possibility of government beyond Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, led by another party,' she told The Indo Daily podcast.

Fine Gael is desperately seeking to move the election debate on to the economy after a series of controversies saw its support go into freefall. Party leader Mr Harris wants to lure voters away from Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, emphasizing that potential trade shocks from the next US administration are a reason Fine Gael needs to be in the next government.

Read at Irish Independent