A former Government minister says he fears for Irish politics, following the results of yesterday's by-elections.

The former Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Minister and current Labour TD Pat Rabbitte says he believes the recession has caused a fragmentation with voters, where "populist" independent candidates - who he says "can't agree on anything" - get elected.

Anti-Austerity Alliance candidate Paul Murphy topped the poll in Dublin South West yesterday - which is Pat Rabbitte's own constituency - while Independent Michael Fitzmaurice fought off competition from Fianna Fáil in Roscommon South Leitrim.

Speaking to the Sunday Show, Deputy Rabbitte says if the rise in independents continues, it could prove difficult to form a government following the next General Election:

You can listen back to Pat Rabbitte's interview here.

Originally published at 1:00pm