The Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton have this evening moved to end speculation surrounding the involvement of Independent TD Michael Lowry in the next Government.

It follows five days of commentary about the Tipperary TD.

Since it was reported last Friday that Mr Lowry was one of a group of independents that Fine Gael may approach after the election to give them a majority, the issue has dominated questioning of both Government and Opposition.

In the past few days both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste did not rule out the Lowry option completely, but Labour's deputy leader Alan Kelly was adamant he would not work with Michael Lowry.

This evening a spokesperson for Joan Burton made it clear that the Labour leader does not think it would be appropriate for Michael Lowry to be part of any future Government.

Also, a spokesperson for Enda Kenny said Fine Gael was not contemplating any talks with Indpendents, adding there was no situation where the Taoiseach could envisage Independents as doing anything other than destabilising a government.