Enda Kenny has warned the next general election will come down to a choice between a government led by Fine Gael and one led by Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has responded by telling Kenny to “resign and call an election and let the people have their say now.”

Mr Kenny said that the electorate needs to consider that divide, and the options it offers, “very carefully”.

Speaking at a meeting of the British-Irish Council in the Isle of Man today, the Taoiseach said:

“The situation is becoming much clearer ... The choice will be between Fine Gael and a group, possibly led by Sinn Féin and I think people need to reflect on that very carefully.

“Do they want responsibility and growth and prosperity and jobs in government? Or do they want a government put together that has the potential to absolutely wreck every advancement we’ve made.”

Adams responded this evening with a statement, saying that he believes: “citizens want a change from the conservative politics of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and Labour and are open to voting for genuine republican politics.”

“Since taking office Fine Gael and Labour under Enda Kenny’s leadership has stumbled from one debacle to another. Their policies have been rejected and the Government now faces widespread public anger," Adams said.

“Government support has now been eroded beyond the point where they can claim a mandate for what they are doing.

Adams finished the statement by calling on the government to call an election now and “let the people decide.”