Simon Harris said he was open minded as to whether Fine Gael and Fianna Fail secure a majority with the support of independent TDs or a smaller party.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with a combined 86 seats, are just short of the 88 required for a majority.

Mr O’Callaghan said the Social Democrats would be asking for support for their position on key areas.

Cian O’Callaghan said he is ‘delighted’ with his party’s performance.

The party, founded in 2015, look like they could be possible kingmakers in the next government.

The Taoiseach suggested voters are more interested in ‘bread and butter’ issues than the controversies his party has encountered in recent times.

Launching its manifesto, Cian O’Callaghan outlined a series of ‘red lines’ that his party would require before contemplating entering government.

The party said it would deliver 50,000 affordable homes and 25,000 cost-rental homes over five years

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan said the payments were a ‘blatant attempt to buy’ an election.

Labour, the Social Democrats and Solidarity-People Before Profit heavily criticised Budget 2025.