One of the country's largest trade unions has cautioned the Labour Party against joining Fine Gael in a coalition government and instead has called on them to lead a ‘game changing’ opposition coalition of the left.
Unite regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said voters did not vote for a Fine Gael overall majority.
"Their policies on privatisation, austerity and income cuts did not attract enough support and should not now be facilitated by the tired old fallback of coalition with Labour", he said.
Mr Kelly said the Labour Party has "an historic opportunity" to lead "a greatly expanded" left wing coalition.
He said an opposition led by Labour with the support of Sinn Féin, the United Left Alliance and other independents would have 60 seats in the new Dáil.
Mr Kelly said the party should create new alliances with a view to realising the prospect of a left-led government in the 32nd Dáil.
"A Fine Gael-led government would only last two to three years. Then, finally, the goal of a left-led government can become a reality. Labour should hold its nerve.”
