Statement from An Taoiseach and Fine Gael Party Leader Enda Kenny

“The Fine Gael Party position is, has been and will remain, not to enter into coalition government with Sinn Féin.

“As I have stated many times previously I don’t believe the parties to be in anyway compatible, in particular on economic issues where Sinn Fein policy would lead to massive job losses and seriously undermine business and investment.

“My focus and that of the government I lead is to manage the nation’s affairs in the interests of its citizens.

“We have immediate challenges that must be dealt with, including Brexit and we will meet those challenges head on as we have done successfully many times before.”