The Fianna Fáil leader has claimed the Sinn Féin party is run "like a mafia organisation".

Micheál Martin told Newstalk Lunchtime his party has "exceeded the polls consistently", before adding that "there's a problem with the polls".

"Commentators are using the polls to almost frame the election prior to the election even happening, and not discussing issues", he said.

When asked if he felt that Sinn Féin may take from Fianna Fáil, Mr Martin said: "In terms of they stealing our Republican cloak - they have not".

"They're not a Republican party in the true sense of the word - they run themselves like a mafia organisation".

It comes as Sinn Féin denies weekend reports that leader Gerry Adams will step down.

The deputy leader of the party, Mary Lou McDonald, earlier told Newstalk Breakfast: "No Sunday Independent would be complete without stories about Sinn Féin, and taking a swipe at Gerry Adams in particular".

"I don't know where the "sources" of this story are - but I can tell you that Gerry is the leader of Sinn Féin and will be leading us into the next general election" she added.

While in terms of going into a coalition with them, Mr Martin said: "We won't be joining forces with them in government - that's the bottom line".