Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have edged closer to agreeing a government formation deal in a bid to avoid a snap election, after the government party was forced into a major water charges climbdown.

Acting Taoiseach has sparked outrage among Independent TDs over his continued refusal to speak to Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin.

The Green Party look set to withdraw from talks with Fine Gael on forming a Government, several sources familiar with the process have said.

Labour leader Joan Burton used the first major leaders' debate of the General Election to attack Sinn Féin's plans for the economy.

Fianna Fáil’s giveaway manifesto, which was launched today, was aimed at offering an alternative, according to party leader Micheal Martin.

The Taoiseach's thanked the Labour party for their work in Government.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport says he doesn't want to go in to government with Fianna Fáil.

Greta Kelly (Letters, January 15) suggests her only option for a vote would be the “honest & principled” Greens, and writes off the smaller parties, groupings and independents as a result.

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says he has a number of concerns about proposals on corporate taxation.

Update at 7.40pm: Cork City Councillors have voted to cut the Local Property Tax rate by 10%.

Fianna Fail has accused Fine Gael and Enda Kenny of launching a 'negative' and 'arrogant' campaign.

The Fine Gael National Conference gets underway in Co Mayo from today.

Sinn Féin and Fine Gael are now the joint most popular parties in Ireland, according to the first opinion poll since the local and European elections.

Coalition infighting dominated the launch of Fine Gael’s manifesto for the crunch European elections.