Taoiseach and Tanaiste say they would shun coalition with Sinn Fein

Leader of Irish Right to Change, Joan Collins; Deputy leader of the Social Democrats, Cian O’Callaghan; Leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins; Tanaiste and leader of Fianna Fail, Micheal Martin; Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris; RTE Presenter Katie Hannon; Leader of the Green Party, Roderic O’Gorman; Leader of Aontu, Peadar Toibin; Leader of the Labour Party, Ivana Bacik; Leader of People Before Profit Solidarity, Richard Boyd Barrett; and Leader of Sinn Fein, Mary Lou McDonald; ahead of the General Election leaders’ debate (Niall Carson/PA) - (PA Wire)

Ireland’s premier and deputy premier again made clear their opposition to entering any coalition government with Sinn Fein in the first major TV debate of the Irish General Election campaign.

Standing together in the RTE studio, after a random draw placed them side by side, Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin were asked about their intentions if both secured a mandate to return to government.