Labour opts to stay out of government, independents step in 'in the national interest'
Labour has confirmed it will not be part of, or help to form, a new government.
The party has decided to sit out the next term in government after a meeting of its parliamentary party this afternoon.
The statement comes as a group of five independent TD said they are stepping up talks to form a government with Fine Gael "in the national interest".
The group - all of whom are from rural areas - has met with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, but says it is convinced that Fine Gael is determined to do so.
The five TDs are Michael Collins, Mattie McGrath, Denis Naughten, Dr Michael Harty and Noel Grealish.
