Sinn Féin to remain in opposition as it insists no deal possible

Gerry Adams has conceded Sinn Féin have not won enough seats to go into government and the party will return to the opposition benches.

Mr Adams has ruled out doing any deal with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, meaning both parties are now left with little or no option other than do a deal with each other.

He accused the two parties of “playacting” and said there was very little between the two of them to prevent such a coalition.