Michéal Martin gets in touch with Social Democrats and Greens TDs

Social Democrat and Greens TDs have suggested they are open to deals with any major party which raises genuine reform proposals after their leaders were contacted directly by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

The smaller parties, which will control five seats in the next Dáil, outlined their readiness for talks as the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil race to shore up support hotted up yesterday.

On Monday evening, Mr Martin called Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy and Greens leader Eamon Ryan to offer his congratulations on their election successes.