Joan Burton rules out coalition with Fianna Fáil, delivering blow to Micheál Martin’s Taoiseach hopes

Tánaiste Joan Burton said any possible coalition with Fianna Fáil has been “absolutely” ruled out, thereby all but ending Micheál Martin’s hopes of being Taoiseach.

Mr Martin has ruled out going into power with Fine Gael and Sinn Féin so was always facing an uphill battle to be even in contention to be Taoiseach.

Speaking yesterday, Ms Burton said: “I don’t at this point in time, judging by the statement made by Fianna Fáil, believe that their heart really is in going into government.”