Planners have questioned the validity of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan, saying while its promises are welcome, it appears to be focussed on politics instead of focussed on reforms.

Fianna Fail has made informal approaches to some newly elected independent TDs.

Fine Gael candidate for Sligo-Leitrim, John Perry, has said he would expect Michael Noonan to resign as party leader after this election.