Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne said he does not believe Fianna Fail will go into government with Sinn Fein after the forthcoming general election but said he would be open to working with Mary Lou McDonald’s party in the future.

Speaking to Independent.ie’s Floating Voter podcast, Mr Byrne said: “I would never rule out in the long run going into Coalition with Sinn Fein,” before adding: “It’s not going to happen in the short run.”

“We can’t expect a situation whereby we are expecting Sinn Fein to share power with the DUP (but) that you can’t envision a situation where Sinn Fein can’t come into government at some stage in the South,” he add

Mr Byrne said he believed the next government will consist of Fianna Fail, the Labour Party and the Green Party. He said the Social Democrats and Independents could possibly play a role. Mr Byrne also said he believe Micheal Martin will remain as Fianna Fail leader even if he is not elected Taoiseach after the next general election.