Labour reaction:The events of recent days, in which the Tánaiste has publicly questioned the honesty of the Taoiseach, means that the only stable government now available is an alliance made up of Labour and Fine Gael, according to Labour's environment spokesman, Eamon Gilmore.
"This Government is now broken, and it is not going to be possible to put the pieces together again.
"Even if they hang together until May 24th, and even in the more unlikely scenario of them having the required numbers post-election, Fianna Fáil and the PDs will simply not be able to put together a credible and stable government which would enjoy the confidence of the Irish people."
Speaking at Labour's daily election briefing in Dublin, Mr Gilmore said Ireland would need a stable government following the election.
"Labour and Fine Gael are the only two parties who have agreed to form a government together. Labour and Fine Gael are the only two parties to have agreed policy positions on key areas such as the economy, health and policing."
He said he was satisfied Labour and Fine Gael would be able to form an alliance with the Green Party, but ruled out a coalition with Sinn Féin. He added that while the emphasis in the media since the campaign started had been on the Taoiseach's finances, it was not the only issue preoccupying people.
"People are, of course, disturbed, confused and worried by the disclosures, but there are many, many more issues coming up.
"The principal issue coming up by far is health. People are now quite fearful of falling ill, and are worried about having to face the ordeal of an A&E unit and the prospect of contracting MRSA.
"Young couples are concerned about the difficulty of finding an affordable house. They are worried about the cost of childcare; they are concerned about finding a place in a school for their child."
Mr Gilmore said since the election was called, he had detected a significant change of mood.
"The mood against the Government is hardening: the momentum for change is growing. In the days between now and polling day, the Labour Party will continue to emphasise policy issues and particularly the key areas where we differ from the present Government."
Labour's director of elections, James Wrynn, said the party had nominated 50 candidates in 43 constituencies. It was the first time since 1969 that all constituencies were being contested.
He expressed confidence that the 18 outgoing Labour TDs would be elected, and that the party would hold the seats of three retiring TDs. He added that the party's four Senators all stood a good chance of election.
Mr Wrynn said Labour's allowable spend under law during the election campaign was €1.8 million. Of that, €1 million had been allocated to the constituencies.
He said at national level, Labour would probably not spend the remaining €800,000 allowed as it did not have that much money.
