Fianna Fáil rejects coalition offer but discussed abstention from next Taoiseach vote

Fianna Fáil has decisively rejected an offer of a coalition government with Fine Gael and Independents but discussed abstaining from the next vote for Taoiseach to allow Enda Kenny to win the vote.

However, a number of party TDs have left the door open on the possibility of entering a coalition with Fine Gael, while others are readying themselves for a general election.

Fianna Fáil TDs and senators rejected an offer for a grand coalition from Mr Kenny at a parliamentary party meeting yesterday.