The Fianna Fáil leader has said his party will outperform the latest opinion poll, which suggests that Sinn Féin has overtaken both his party and Fine Gael.

Micheál Martin said the poll would "energise even more" candidates and members on the ground over the coming days.

Mr Martin said his party is the only realistic alternative to Fine Gael and today's poll indicates that the majority of people want FF in a "government more than any other party".

Mr Martin said Sinn Féin is not in a position to lead a government because it is only running 42 candidates.

Addressing public pay, the Fianna Fáil leader said a public service pay agreement should not form part of an election campaign.