Latest: Varadkar claims agreement does not require Government to run public appointments by Fianna Fáil

Latest: The prospect of a general election in a matter of weeks has increased with Fianna Fáil saying it cannot support the way the former attorney general Máire Whelan was made a judge.

Update 5.12pm: The prospect of a general election in a matter of weeks has increased with Fianna Fáil saying it cannot support the way the former attorney general Máire Whelan was made a judge.

The minority government's proceeding with the plan despite revelations three High Court judges had expressed an interest in the role in the court of appeal.