Sinn Féin's popularity has plummeted by five points according to a new opinion poll.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has cut an isolated figure in the Dáil this week, but nonetheless came out fighting for her future, writes Caroline O’Doherty

Political party Renua has announced it is now a pro-life party and has dropped its policy of affording a free vote to its elected officials on ‘matters of conscience’.

The sham of new politics is not confined to the smaller parties, writes Michael Clifford

The Government’s chief whip has admitted there is “mild irritation” among Fine Gael back-benchers over the party’s Seanad appointments deal with Fianna Fáil.

The former head of strategy and communications with Renua Ireland has admitted he knew the party would make little ground in the general election, six months ahead of voters going to the polls.

A new poll has shown that a second general election would show no major changes in public opinion, with a grand coalition the most likely outcome.

THE electoral dust has finally settled, and from the wreckage of the coalition we can expect no further survivors.

Making it back to Cork to vote was insanity. Me and my mum left Dublin at about half four, and crawled back over almost six hours.

Dozens of previously high-profile politicians are waking up to the reality today that they are no longer TDs after a second successive general election saw a seismic shift in the Dáil landscape.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Richard Bruton, the minister for jobs, planned to woo returning emigrants and plug holes in the workforce by introducing a flat 30% rate of tax for skilled workers.

Fianna Fáil’s giveaway manifesto, which was launched yesterday, is aimed at offering an alternative, according to party leader Micheál Martin.

Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes has said it will be up to Labour after the election to decide whether the outgoing coalition can do a deal with others to form a government.

There is mixed news for Fine Gael in two new opinion polls this evening.

Renua Ireland believes it will hold the balance of power after the election.

Despite the controversy, the question over whether the coalition could turn to Independent TD Michael Lowry if it falls short of an overall majority could, in fact, help beef up Government support, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has reiterated his promise to phase out the controversial Universal Social Charge, despite differing comments from Finance Minister Michael Noonan.

Opposition leaders have questioned the sincerity of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s plan to give them details of new legislation to address the IBRC scandal tomorrow, saying that the move is a “box-ticking exercise” to hide the fact the inquiry will not be completed before the election.

Leo Varadkar, the health minister, has said he would like to remain on in his position after the general election — but only if he is given the authority and resources.

Renua Ireland leader Lucinda Creighton’s 23% flat tax policies lay in tatters just hours after she launched her party’s manifesto.