Frances Fitzgerald fallout shows Irish politics never ceases to shock

The likelihood of a snap general election has moved a step closer after Fianna Fáil dramatically withdrew its support for the embattled Tánaiste, effectively ending its backing for the Government, writes Juno McEnroe.

The confidence and supply agreement between the Fine Gael government and Fianna Fáil has finally hit a roadblock. Last night, Fianna Fáil was forced to act over more twists and turns and chaotic explanations regarding embattled Jobs Minister Frances Fitzgerald and an email she received in May 2015 about a Garda management strategy to discredit whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

The party will consider its own motion of no confidence against the Tánaiste next week, in a bid to preempt one that has been agreed and launched by Sinn Féin.