Coalition options: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea have ruled out post-election arrangements with Sinn Féin to keep Fianna Fáil in office, either in a coalition or as a minority government. Deaglán de Bréadún, Political Correspondent, reports.
Their comments followed a statement by Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams that he did not believe Fianna Fáil protestations that it would not enter into coalition talks with Sinn Féin.
Mr Ahern replied simply "No" when asked if he would enter into any arrangement with Sinn Féin in the Dáil. He was speaking in Dublin after the launch of his party's arts manifesto.
Earlier, at the daily Fianna Fáil media briefing, Mr O'Dea said: "We have no intention of engaging in coalition talks with Sinn Féin and no other party has either."
Asked if he would prefer to go into opposition rather than enter government with Sinn Féin, he said: "Personally I would, absolutely."
Echoing his sentiments, Minister of State for Children Brian Lenihan said: "We're not going to put ourselves in a position where they are an essential part of the majority which elects our leader as Taoiseach."
A Sinn Féin spokesman said, when asked who the party would support for Taoiseach and whether it would be prepared to enter into a coalition or an arrangement to support a minority government from outside: "The party ardchomhairle will meet after the election to consider the political landscape."
Fianna Fáil's arts manifesto, launched by Minister for ArtsJohn O'Donoghue, pledges policy initiatives in arts and education, arts and participation, arts and investment and continued support for national cultural institutions.