Sinn Féin will go into government with any party who has the mandate from the electorate, party leader Gerry Adams has said.

Mr Adams said it was too early to speculate on the formation of the new government.

However, when asked who he would enter a coalition with, Mr Adams said “Whoever is successful in the election.”

He added: "Sinn Féin could fall flat on our face, Fine Gael could be wiped out. Anything can happen.

"Lets wait until the people have their say, lets have the good manners to allow them to exercise their franchise and then lets see who comes out at the end of it and work out the best for Ireland and the best for the people."

Fianna Fáil, Labour and Fine Gael have all ruled out going into government with Sinn Féin.

Mr Adams said his party would not become the Labour Party and he would not become Eamon Gilmore.

He said: “There will be an election. I am not Eamon Gilmore. Sinn Féin is not the Labour Party.

“We are not going to go flying about saying Gerry Adams for Taoiseach or any of that nonsense. We will take the people very very seriously.

“If we get a mandate, if we can negotiate a programme for government which is acceptable to other parties and of course to us and if it reflects our mandate then the business of who will lead this government will be a case for negotiation. Might my name be in that? It may well be but lets leave it until after.”

Mr Adams said his party was ready to fight an election North and South of the border.

He urged the Taoiseach to call an election and face the electorate.