Taoiseach rejects assertions that Dublin Castle U-turn came after pressure from backbenchers

Spokespeople for Micheál Martin confirmed that the Taoiseach would not be in Dublin Castle, where the national results will be declared and where Catherine Connolly will be declared the winner

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his Mary leaving the polling station after casting their votes in the presidential election on Friday. Picture: Dan Linehan

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has rejected assertions that he opted to travel to Dublin Castle for the presidential election declaration after facing pressure from Fianna Fáil backbenchers.

Earlier on Saturday, spokespeople for Mr Martin said he would not attend the election count centre.