FF deals with Fine Gael, Sinn Féin firmly ruled out

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has said he will not seek the backing of Sinn Féin even if it is his only possibility of becoming taoiseach after the next general election.

Mr Martin issued the unequivocal rejection of Gerry Adams’ party and ruled out entering any formal coalition with Fine Gael despite admitting “no one will win” the next national ballot outright.

Speaking at the start of the Fianna Fáil ard fheis at the RDS in Dublin and as party delegates last night backed a Navan branch motion that “under no circumstances will Fianna Fáil enter into a coalition government with Sinn Féin”, Mr Martin said he would not cut any deal with the rival party.