Sinn Féin has staked its claim as the leading party in opposition as Fine Gael continues its efforts to form a government.

The claim comes after Fianna Fáil agreed a three budget deal with Fine Gael.

Sinn Féin's Peadar Tóibín says regardless of what it's called the deal mean's Micheál Martin's party is no longer in opposition:

“I see this as an arms-length coalition between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Enda's decisions will be Micheál's decisions, they will be at one in these areas.

“So in actual fact the role of leaders of the opposition will come down to Sinn Féin, 'cause we will be holding the government to account every step of the way, an option that Fianna Fáil doesn't have in this process.”

Enda Kenny needs to win the support of six more TDs if he is to be elected Taoiseach in Wednesday's vote. A formal meeting between the two sides will take place on Monday.

Kevin 'Boxer' Moran of the Alliance says he and his colleagues still have a lot of issues to work through with Fine Gael.

"I don't think we'll have a Government on Wednesday, I know a lot of people are saying we will.”