Sinn Féin's focus is on securing the "largest possible mandate" in the election so it can implement its manifesto commitments to build a "strong and vibrant economy", party president Gerry Adams said today.
Mr Adams, canvassing in Dublin North West with Dessie Ellis. said: "If we secure a big enough mandate from the electorate on May 24th Sinn Féin is ready for government after the general election.
"But we will only go into government if we can negotiate and agree a programme which includes balanced regional development, investment in infrastructure to aid job creation, an end to the two-tier health system, a social house building programme, a reduction in class sizes and advanced preparations for Irish reunification," he said
"Sinn Féin will use our negotiating experience and our electoral mandate to bring about real and lasting change."
Mr Adams said that following the election, Sinn Fén's Martin McGuinness will work with the incoming taoiseach on the All-Ireland Ministerial Council "taking government decisions in the interests of everyone on the island".
Earlier, Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and Minister for Children Brian Lenihan ruled out any coalition arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin after the election.
Both said they would rather go into opposition than do a deal with Sinn Féin.