Health Minister Simon Harris also pleaded with people to “keep your distance”.

Politics, just like nature, abhors a vacuum. The power void left by February’s general election has been instantly filled by the looming horror and scale of the coronavirus health crisis.

Ireland has officially moved to the delay phase of Covid-19 engagement, the Government has confirmed — a move it said could “potentially save thousands of lives”.

Both parties have agreed to hold detailed negotiations, while still continuing discussions with the Green Party.

All changed, changed utterly. These are defining words from another era that described the explosion of violence on the streets around the Easter Rising. But the poetry of WB Yeats poignantly now illustrates a terrible horror rising over our country and planet: Covid-19.

Fianna Fáil TDs are split on whether a national government to tackle the coronavirus outbreak could work.

We now must be reaching the end of the 'dancing at the crossroads' stage in government formation talks: every party or political grouping knows their rival's priorities; and the public's patience will inevitably wear thin in the coming days.

The Green Party and Fianna Fáil are clashing about long term spending on issues such as transport and infrastructure due to a "difference in mentality" over how to tackle the climate crisis.

A bitter personal row between Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin marred the first day’s sitting of the 33rd Dáil, which failed to elect a Taoiseach.

Fianna Fáil calls for Fine Gael to support it in government from the opposition benches have been dismissed as “arrogant” and “unworkable”.

The Tanaiste has ruled out holding any discussions with Sinn Fein on the formation of a government.

The biggest parties will need to cooperate to form some type of government or a second general election could be looming over the country-if the

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The late Noel Whelan, a skilful political commentator and Dáil number cruncher, once remarked that the analysis of election counts inevitably moves quickly, often glossing over the importance of early seat wins — irrespective of how dramatic they can be for parties.

How was the campaign for you?

Fine Gael is in full crisis mode as it is set to lose more than 15 seats, with several senior ministers in jeopardy.

A small number of bellwether constituencies could be highly significant in the battle for top spot between Fiann Fáil and Fine Gael, says Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe.

Garda bosses have described the murder and dismemberment of a 17-year-old boy as “savage”, “shocking” and “unacceptable”.

The Taoisech Leo Varadkar has informed his Cabinet colleagues that General Election 2020 will take place on Saturday February 8.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is snookered. The days of the coalition have come to an end. Power is ebbing away, and time is running out.

With recent resignations and multiple ongoing crises, this Government has lost control of the Dáil and can’t last much longer, writes political correspondent Juno McEnroe

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ruled out a taxpayer bailout of the Football Association of Ireland, as the FAI outlined that its liquidation is a serious possibility should such a move fail to materialise.

The Government has been criticised for making a “back-of-the-envelope” decision in response to the insurance crisis in childcare.

Creches are to be given a financial bailout after the Government bowed to pressure to intervene in the insurance crisis that is threatening childcare providers.

Young people are regarded as “plentiful and expendable” by gang bosses, who are ruling over communities through fear, a study has found.

Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan has launched a blistering attack on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy during a private meeting of the parliamentary party.

Am I part of the Government’s greenwashing campaign?

TDs battling it out on the floor of the Dáil last night were a damn sight more comfortable than the 4,000 children who will be homeless and stuck in emergency accommodation this Christmas.

The Government has suffered a blow after failing to win any seats in four byelections which could provide clues before the whole country goes to the polls next year.