In a strong performance on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland Taoiseach Enda Kenny ruled out making any deal with Independent candidate Michael Lowry in forming a government.
He said he would “not have any dealings with Michael Lowry or any other independent”.
A few hours after the interview the mood was positive among the Fine Gael backroom team in the party’s election HQ.
Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton announced the party’s ambition that “By 2020 anyone who wants a job can get a job.“
Asked about the Taoiseach’s comments on Mr Lowry, Mr Bruton said, "We are campaigning to stop those people with their shopping lists and put an end to the instability that they would bring to government."
Renua Ireland launched its campaign in an alley way beside Dublin Castle. Party leader Lucinda Creighton outlined a number of red line issues that her party would not cross to enter government.
She welcomed the Taoiseach’s decision to rule out Mr Lowry as a possible coalition option.
In a barbed drive at her former boss, she said, "I was delighted that after 13 opportunities, the Taoiseach finally, ten days later, ruled out going into government with Michael Lowry.”
Several Labour Ministers used the party's official campaign launch to attack Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein.
Joan Burton said Fianna Fáil had a "brass neck" and continued to make "sleeveen comments" about the economy, which they had ruined.
Over at the Sinn Féin campaign launch, the party that is usually derided for its proficiency in economics was critical of other parties economic plans.
He called on Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour to withdraw their manifestos, claiming they were based on a lie.
Launching his party's campaign, Mr Adams said the figures on which they were based did not add-up and he claimed they had been "caught-out cooking the books".
Fianna Fáil launched its housing policy. Barry Cowen said the housing crisis and the fact that 1,600 children are in emergency accommodation is a damning indictment of failed Government policy.
He said if this election was solely a referendum on housing the Government would be decimated.
The Social Democrats focused on putting money in people's pockets by reducing the cost of living at its campaign launch.
The party left its coalition options open. Catherine Murphy said that the fledgling party certainly is not going “to be a mudguard for anyone” while Roisín Shortall added there is “no point being in government unless you have power. We’re not interested in being in government merely to make up the numbers.”
Good day for: Renua Ireland and the Social Democrats. With Enda Kenny telling Morning Ireland that he would “not have any dealings with Michael Lowry or any other independent.” Surely the chances of one of the two fledgling parties being kingmakers in the next government are better?
Bad day for: 
Independent candidate in Tipperary Michael Lowry. After weeks of the Taoiseach and Fine Gael ministers fudging answers about whether the party would go into government with Mr Lowry, Enda Kenny ruled it out today. Even if Fine Gael need the numbers it could be difficult for them to make a U-turn on Lowry.
