Fine Gael deny third failure to elect Taoiseach will cause new poll

Fine Gael have denied a third failure to elect a Taoiseach next week would automatically trigger a general election.

However, the party has acknowledged that Fianna Fáil’s rejection of a partnership government has moved the possibility of another election even closer to becoming a reality.

Fine Gael are scrambling to assure Independent TDs after Fianna Fáil ruled out a partnership government yesterday evening.