Micheál Martin rules out coalition with ‘cult-like’ Sinn Féin

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has insisted his party will not go into government with Sinn Féin, who he said were “strong apologists” for the IRA and “very cult-like”.

In a fresh attack on Sinn Féin, Mr Martin’s stance will again raise questions about how Fianna Fáil would intend to reach sufficient numbers to seize power and return to government.

The Cork South Central TD’s refusal to do a deal with Gerry Adam’s party also comes as a new poll shows support for Fianna Fáil has plummeted and dropped to eight points now behind Fine Gael.