Micheál Martin lays down gauntlet to Independents ahead of Taoiseach vote

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has thrown down a gauntlet to Independent TDs about electing him as taoiseach, in a last bid to form a Fianna Fáil minority government.

Senior Fianna Fáil sources have told the Irish Examiner today’s vote will be the last opportunity for them to vote for Mr Martin and to support a Fianna Fáil-led minority government.

The sources have said that should the Independents not do so, the party will concede and begin talks to facilitate a Fine Gael minority government headed by Enda Kenny.