Martin rules out coalition with Fine Gael

Voters are tired of politicians in Leinster House talking endlessly about making up numbers, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin declared as he ruled out a coalition with Fine Gael.

His comments came after Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney continued to face reprimand from Government partners Labour for saying he could work with Fianna Fáil after the next election.

One former Labour minister said Mr Coveney’s remarks had “soured” relations with his party and that Taoiseach Enda Kenny needed to make a statement and clear the air.