Independent TDs are being courted by the country's two largest parties, as efforts begin to form a coalition Government.

Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected to speak to Independent deputies ahead of next week's vote to choose a new Taoiseach.

No one achieved a big enough majority in last week's general election to lead the 32nd Dáil alone.

This means the support of smaller parties and Independents will be vital.

Independent Deputy in Kerry South, Michael Healy-Rae, says Micheal Martin has already picked up the phone to him: “He just rang me and we had a discussion.

“I mean it was more a general discussion, rather than the question of will you vote for me, or anything like that.

“It was just a general discussion, so yes he did contact me, but I mean our phones are turned on, myself and my brother, we don’t ever turn them off.

“We are willing to talk to whoever wants to talk to us.”