Taoiseach rules out ‘any dealings with Michael Lowry’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ruled out a deal with any independent TDs in order to secure power.

Singling out Michael Lowry, Mr Kenny said his aim was to return the outgoing coalition.

“I will not have any dealings with Michael Lowry, or any other independents,” the Taoiseach said.

Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD arriving at @RTÉ for interview at 8:40am. Tune in here https://t.co/N74t4DVh7F pic.twitter.com/HxlNVxQH3R

— Morning Ireland (@morningireland) February 5, 2016

The question of Mr Lowry being a powerbroker in a potential Fine Gael-led coalition has been left unanswered by the Taoiseach since it was raised at his party’s Ard Fheis last month.

Mr Kenny told RTÉ's Morning Ireland: “My proposition is the return of the Fine Gael-Labour government.”

Pressed on being forced into a deal with any independent TDs, Mr Kenny added: “In that eventuality, and I don’t foresee that eventuality, any deal done between Fine Gael and Labour or between Fine Gael or anybody else would of course be published – accountable and transparent, fully.

“This is about people and their lives and their country.”

Mr Kenny will continue in his role as Taoiseach during the General Election campaign and is due to meet King Abdullah the 2nd of Jordan this morning. He will then appear in Mallow, Co Cork later this afternoon.

You can listen to the interview in full below.