The Agriculture Minister says "as of yet", the Government hasn't received an offer for Aer Lingus that is "persuasive enough."

Simon Coveney admitted to Newstalk Breakfast that there are "mixed views" within Fine Gael over the sale of the airline - says the "ball is in IAG's court."

The Minister declined to offer his personal opinion - he says that regional connectivity is crucial to the public interest, regardless of who owns the airline. Mr Coveney also describes the company's Heathrow slots as "absolutely essential."

The Cork South–Central TD reiterated Fine Gael's stance that the issue of the eight amendment will not be dealt with by the current Government.

When asked by Newstalk's Ivan Yeats what the party's stance on the issue is "apart from stalling" the Minister replied:

"The Fine Geal view is that we have a year left in Government - we have a lot to do in multiple areas - that's what we are focusing on. This isn't going to be an issue of debate within the party this side of an election - and that is my view as well."

He also said that he does not regret saying that he would be prepared to go into Government with Fianna Fáil - but expressed his "strong" preference to return to Government with The Labour Party after the next General Election.