The Finance Minister Michael Noonan has opened the door to a potential coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Noonan is the most senior minister within Fine Gael to have openly discussed the prospect of the two parties entering talks.

The comments come as Sinn Féin confirms it will nominate Gerry Adams for the position of Taoiseach on Thursday.

Minister Noonan has said talks with Fianna Fáil are likely after the 32nd Dáil meets for the first time later this week.

“The Taoiseach has got involved in a series of discussions, starting with individual independents and smaller parties,” said Noonan.

“But of course that will evolve, I presume, after Thursday into discussions with Fianna Fáil and then we’ll see where that goes.”