Aontú leader claims 'wave of support' as party aims for gains in key constituencies

Olivia Kelleher

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said there has been a "wave of support" towards his party with campaigners reporting a "phenomenal warmth" as they go door-to-door canvassing.

Mr Tóibín told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the final seat in 10 constituencies Aontú is focused on will go down to the wire between a party candidate and a government TD.

"In places like Cavan-Monaghan, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin West – if people really want change, they have to concentrate their vote on the Aontú candidate in that location."

Mr Tóibín said that Aontú has only ruled out engaging in talks with Fine Gael and the Green Party.

“Even though we are unhappy that Sinn Féin are still not sure of what they stand for, we [will talk to them].

He said Tánaiste Micheál Martin needs to be “a bigger man” and not dismiss the possibility of forming a government with the contribution of Aontú.

“I know Micheál Martin ruled it out [going into government with Aontú] but he also ruled out going in to coalition with Fine Gael before the last election. So I am not sure we can be confident of that red line from Micheál Martin.

“He [Martin] needs to be a bigger man than ruling out Government over a difference of opinion, for God's sake.”

Mr Tóibín added that Ireland needs a “junior minister for accountability” in the next Government.

“It would be located in the Department of the Taoiseach and would report to the Taoiseach on a weekly basis to put the Taoiseach on the hook for accountability in this country.”