Resistance to an easing of rent caps has been likened to opposition against water charges by Sinn Fein’s housing spokesman.

Pearse Doherty stays in finance as Eoin O Broin continues in health, while Matt Carthy is marking Jim O’Callaghan in justice.

The party will seek to ‘transform housing’ in Ireland if elected to government.

Sinn Féin said the plan would cost €13.2 billion.

The report estimated an underlying housing deficit of up to 256,000 homes across the country