Dáil Day One: Micheál Martin pours cold water on Fine Gael deal

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has once again ruled out any deal with Fine Gael, saying his party “didn’t get a mandate to put Fine Gael back into government” amid growing concern the stalemate could cause a second election.

The opposition leader made the comments despite the only other potential option of Fianna Fáil leading a non-Fine Gael minority government failing to gather essential non-party support at this stage.

Speaking to reporters during a break in the Dáil’s highly contentious one-day return Mr Martin flatly rejected any possibility of cutting a deal. While Fine Gael has hinted at a 50:50 cabinet breakdown and a rotating taoiseach scenario in exchange for support, the Cork South Central TD said the plan will not happen.