Doubts about Fianna Fáil’s motives make Fine Gael wary, writes Political Reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

Fine Gael minister Simon Coveney and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin last night urged Independents to make a decision on their parties’ bids for power in panicked phone calls and meetings across the country.

It’s not so long ago since Independent councillors were out in the cold in the chamber of Cork County Council.

A non-party politician has suggested “10-12 credible” independents could support a future government if their policies are implemented — but insisted he and some others will not join any specific party.