A minority government of the left is possible, according to People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett.

It's after he met with the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, as efforts begin to form a new administration following Saturday's election.

Mary Lou Mc Donald also met with the Green Party leader Eamon Ryan today, and she is due to speak with the Social Democrats tomorrow.

The results of the election mean the left-wing parties - who have around 60 seats between them - alone do not have the numbers to form a majority government, meaning a minority arrangement would be necessary to move forward.

People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett told the Hard Shoulder that further communication is now planned with Sinn Féin - and that he would be willing to vote for Ms McDonald to become Taoiseach if things work out.

He said: "Ultimately, a left government isn't just a name - it has to have very effective, specific policies to deal with the housing crisis, the public health crisis etc...

"The numbers are challenging - there's no point in pretending they aren't, and we'd prefer if there was an even bigger left presence in the Dáil.

"But minority governments are possible."

He added: "If Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are not out to sabotage the clear momentum for change that was expressed in the election... then it could be possible. In a way, there's a challenge for them there."

In terms of a timeframe for government formation, he said it won't happen overnight - but added he doesn't think the public would thank politicians if the process 'goes on for ages'.

Meanwhile, Niall Collins has become the latest high profile Fianna Fáil TD opposing a coalition with Sinn Féin.

He has added his voice to Jim O'Callaghan and Anne Rabbitte.

Mr Collins told the Hard Shoulder: "We have taken a decision as a party - that decision still stands.

"I imagine when we meet tomorrow as a parliamentary party, I imagine that decision will be reaffirmed - that's just my own personal view in relation to it."