The support pact between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil could be extended for another two years, allowing the current government to run its full five years before the next general election.

Outraged TDs are demanding a review of agencies investigating criminality and have called for the setting up of a white-collar crime bureau.

Leo Varadkar’s supporters are defying overtures from Simon Coveney’s camp to change their position with one TD declaring he would not “commit political suicide” and reverse his stance.