Sinn Féin says the government of Enda Kenny is the reason for mass emigration and poverty in Ireland in 2014.

The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams called on the Taoiseach 'to resign and call an election and let the people have their say.'

In a statement released last night, Mr Adams says since taking office, Fine Gael and Labour under the leadership of Mr Kenny have stumbled from one debacle to another and a general election should now be called.

"Government support has now been eroded beyond the point where they can claim a mandate for what they are doing," Mr Adams said.

"The Taoiseach should allow citizens to make a choice. He should resign and call a general election. Let the people decide," he added.

He was responding to remarks made by Mr Kenny that the next election will be a choice between a Fine Gael or Sinn Féin-led government.

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Toibin says the government are desperately searching for a life raft.