The two main parties in the outgoing Irish government have again ruled out Sinn Fein as a potential coalition partner in the next government. The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin were taking part in a TV debate just days before the general election.

Fianna Fáil’s refusal to contemplate Sinn Féin as a coalition partner is policy-based and not personal, Micheal Martin has insisted. Mr Martin again made clear he would not engage with Sinn Féin in relation to government formation post-election.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin still wants to bring Simon Harris back to power despite Fine Gael’s collapse in the polls. Mr Martin has ruled out a deal with a resurgent Sinn Féin, arguing he ­cannot work with the party on the economy.