It is never easy, is it? writes Daniel McConnell

Independents and smaller parties will not support any nominations for taoiseach as the Dáil resumes today.

Fianna Fáil has said it has no interest in cutting a deal with Fine Gael involving a rotating Taoiseach or 50:50 cabinet representation, labelling the move an attempt by the Government to raise the post-election stakes.

Left-wing group the Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit will shun Sinn Féin calls to support Gerry Adams’ nomination for taoiseach and put forward their own protest candidate when the Dáil returns next Thursday.