Upton says Labour will stick with Fine Gael

A leading member of the Labour party is ruling out any coalition with Fianna Fail.

A leading member of the Labour party is ruling out any coalition with Fianna Fáil.

Mary Upton is rejecting suggestions that her party could now enter into talks with Fianna Fáil following the break-down of negotiations with the Green party yesterday.

There's now been renewed contact between Fianna Fáil and the PDs this weekend.

Meanwhile a Fine Gael spokesperson says that Enda Kenny can still put together an alternative coalition and is maintaining contacts with all parties likely to form that group.

"I see no reason why the responsibility must fall back on the shoulders of the Labour party," said Upton.

"We have done and we will do business with Fine Gael on this, and that has been our stance on this all the time. That hasn't changed," she said.