Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has said the result of the election is complex, and deserves proper consideration by all politicians and party leaders.
Speaking to RTÉ News in Castlebar, Mr Kenny said he will set up his own team to examine the options available to the party on forming a coalition.
In a pointed reminder to the Green Party, Mr Kenny referred to the fact that some Green Party candidates had been elected off the back of Fine Gael transfers, adding that he had asked FG voters before the election to pass their preferences to the Greens after Labour.
Mr Kenny also said he would be talking to Mary Harney about the options open to her and her sole remaining party colleague in the Dáil. Mr Kenny described Ms Harney and Mr Grealish as an important duo to be considered in the context of what will happen in the future.
Mr Kenny reiterated his view that the result of the election for FG was spectacular.
He said that while the party had lost very notable people, the result overall had been outstanding.
M Kenny said he was never surprised by what came out of the ballot boxes. He also said he felt personally vindicated and happy with the result.
Kenny staying on as FG leader
Speaking earlier, Mr Kenny said he intends to stay on to lead the party, even if it does not make it into Government.
He added that he has no regrets about the alliance with Labour, which he said had led to a serious challenge to Fianna Fáil and the PDs. It was the right thing to do, he said.
Asked about Michael McDowell’s resignation from politics, Mr Kenny said it had been a bad election for the PDs and the Tánaiste had done the right thing.
He described Mr McDowell as a provocative and polarising figure in Irish politics and as leader of his party.
He wished Mr McDowell well, and thanked him for his contribution to the Dáil.
