In an interview with Newstalk Breakfast, Eamon Ó Cúiv said that it is “highly unlikely” that Mr Martin will lead Fianna Fáil into the next general election

Ms Connolly denied that she had spoken to gardaí about the woman, or that she had received advice not to hire her

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly also denied that any person in a position of authority in Leinster House had advised her that it was not appropriate to employ the person in question.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said Mr Ó Cuív had been an outstanding parliamentarian and minister.

Barry Andrews has said that the councillors who made controversial comments about the accommodating of asylum seekers in Rosscahill should be subjected to the full disciplinary process

More than 9,300 adult asylum seekers get only €5.50 a day in social welfare from the State