O'Donnell: PDs open to joining an alternative coalition

The Progressive Democrats say they are open to joining an alternative coalition, if they don't get enough votes with Fianna Fáil.

It comes as the latest opinion poll reveals a further drop in support for the current government, with Labour and Fine Gael now one point ahead.

Deputy Leader of the PDs Liz O'Donnell says they would consider offers from other parties, but are ruling out any partnership with Labour:

"We're fighting this election as an independent party with our own policy platform," she said today.

Deputy O'Donnell added: "Our preference would be to continue in government with Fianna Fáil but if the figures don't go that way we'd be open to negotiating with any party which has a perspective which is compatible with ours, that certainly doesn't include the Labour Party."