FIANNA FAIL sources last night said that the party would not go into government with Sinn Fein. If the party had representation in the Dail, those Sinn Fein TDs would clearly be free to vote but Fianna Fail would not, in any circumstances in the absence of a ceasefire, be involved with them in a coalition, the sources added.
It would also be "extremely difficult" to join Sinn Fein in government in the aftermath of a ceasefire. Fianna Fail would have 10 be convinced that it was not going to break down, one source said.
The comments followed earlier remarks by the Progressive Democrat leader, Ms Mary Harney, in which she ruled out a coalition involving Sinn Fein.
Speaking on RTE, she said: "There will not be a coalition with Sinn Fein. They're not going to get any seats." She had been asked on the Pat Kenny programme if she would accept Sinn Fein support in forming a government.
"I would find it very difficult, of course I would," she said. "That's not on. There will not be a coalition government with Sinn Fein, and I do not believe that Fianna Fail would want that either."
Earlier, she said that many Sinn Fein voters in Northern Ireland wanted peace. "A lot of people who voted for Sinn Fein desire peace."
She defended Fianna Fail's decision to meet Sinn Fein while in opposition. "Bertie was in opposition and he was doing it for the best of motives. Fianna Fail is the biggest constitutionalist party in Ireland and that's a fact. It had a very good record in relation to peace.
She said she had worked with Sinn Fein in the Forum when there was a ceasefire. "I worked with them. I didn't find it easy. I'm a constitutional nationalist. I support the SDLP."