Latest: Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen has said that Fine Gael must accept the possibility of Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach.

Fianna Fáil has put Irish Water front and centre in a negotiation document given to Independent TDs which is in stark contrast to Fine Gael.

Fine Gael are to hold a last-ditch round-table discussion with Independent TDs this morning ahead of a second attempt to elect a Taoiseach this afternoon.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is expected to “make an offer” to Fianna Fáil leader to begin coalition talks before he departs to the US early next week, it has emerged.