Local Sinn Féin TD open to talks with all parties following next election

Martin Kenny says Sinn Féin is prepared to talk to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil about forming a government after the forthcoming general election. The TD was confirmed as an election candidate at his party's selection convention in Sligo last night.

Sinn Féin is running a two-candidate strategy in Sligo-Leitrim, with former MEP Chris McManus chosen on the Sligo side. Kenny is eager to be in government after the next election, after eight years as an opposition TD - and isn't ruling out any coalition partner.

McManus lost his seat in the European elections in June. He denies he's merely a sweeper to shore up votes for Kenny in Sligo in the four-seat constituency.