TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has ruled out a deal with any independent TDs in order to secure power.
Singling out Michael Lowry, who was found by the Moriarty tribunal to have helped businessman Denis O'Brien secure a mobile phone licence in 1995, Mr Kenny said his aim was to return the outgoing coalition.
"I will not have any dealings with Michael Lowry, or any other independents," the Taoiseach said.
The question of Mr Lowry being a powerbroker in a potential Fine Gael-led coalition has been left unanswered by the Taoiseach since it was raised at his party's Ard fheis last month.
Mr Kenny told RTE Radio: "My proposition is the return of the Fine Gael-Labour government."
Pressed on being forced into a deal with any independent TDs, Mr Kenny added: "In that eventuality, and I don't foresee that eventuality, any deal done between Fine Gael and Labour or between Fine Gael or anybody else would of course be published - accountable and transparent, fully.
"This is about people and their lives and their country."