Election looms amid Fianna Fáil dissent over coalition deal

The likelihood of a second general election this year has risen significantly as leading figures in Fianna Fáil intensified their opposition to the proposed “grand coalition” with Fine Gael.

Outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who becomes a caretaker leader today, has talked to his Fine Gael ministers about the issue of potential talks with Fianna Fáil.

Mr Kenny and his ministers met for two hours yesterday, discussing government options ahead of the first day of the new Dáil today.