The co-leader of the Social Democrats says they will not rule out entering government with any party after the next general election.
There has been speculation of a possible election before Christmas if there is another Brexit extension.
Fine Gael TDs have been told to be ready for one if it comes, while politicians in other parties have been told to get their posters prepared.
The Social Democrats are hosting their annual pre-Dáil think-in, calling for jobs to be protected if there is a no-deal Brexit.
Party co-leader Róisín Shortall said they will consider entering government as part of a coalition after the next election
She observed: "At this point we're not ruling any party out - but as [co-leader Catherine Murphy] says it is about what the next government is focused on and is prepared to deliver.
"From our point of view, it's much more about 'what' rather than 'who' - and our aim is to bring about a social democracy in this country... a fairer country that gives everybody an opportunity."
Deputy Shortall did rule out a vote pact with other centre-left parties such as Labour, the Greens or Sinn Féin.
She noted: "We have good working relationships... we will continue those. But there's no question of us entering any kind of alliance or vote transfer pact."
"We're contesting the next election as an independent, social democratic party."
Deputy Murphy, meanwhile, believes they can make gains in the next election.
She explained: "We're very hopeful that we could be positioned to get somewhere in the region of seven to eight seats - we're working hard on that."
Over the next week Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Labour and Sinn Féin will all step up their own preparations with pre-Dáil conferences.
People Before Profit - Solidarity held their think-in yesterday, pledging that "housing, climate action and workers' rights" would be their priorities in the upcoming Dáil term.
