Labour TD Jan O Sullivan has urged Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin "to get on with it and give us a Government" - insisting "that's what the country needs now" writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Reporter.

The Acting Education Minister, who was one of just seven Labour TDs to survive the election intact after her own party went into Government in 2011, said despite Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil's reluctance to do a deal with each other, both have an "obligation" to take on the mantle of power.

Speaking on Limerick's Live 95fm radio station, Ms O Sullivan said no one wants to go to the polls for the second time this year and that there is no guarantee a fresh ballot would lead to a different result.

Warning Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil's negotiating teams - who are meeting this evening for the first part of substantial talks between the rival parties - the public will not "appreciate" failure on the issue, she insisted the games must end and a Government needs to be formed.

"What we do not need is to go back to the polls immediately," the Labour TD said.

"I don't think the public would appreciate that at all.

"I don't think the result would be much different, and we'd still be faced with the same situation as we are faced with now.

"There really is an obligation on those who got an increased mandate particularly, but also on Fine Gael because of the numbers they have, to get on with it and give us a government.

"That's what the country needs now."