The outgoing Tánaiste has insisted there is nothing "corrupt" in negotiating a coalition deal with Michael Lowry.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin had called for Mr Lowry's resignation in the Dáil following the Moriarty Tribunal in 2011.

The Tribunal found the Tipperary TD had a "persuasive" influence in the awarding of Ireland's second mobile phone license.

Michael Lowry has always rejected the findings.

Programme for Government

Fianna Fáil members voted 93% in favour of the draft programme for government yesterday.

A vote of Fine Gael members will be counted today.

Mr Martin said TDs from the Independent Regional Group had a mandate to form a government.

"I think the policy platform is important," he said.

"I don't think there is anything corrupt in the policy platform - I don't think anybody is suggesting that there is.

"In fact I think there are a lot of positives in what the Regional Independents put forward in terms of ideas for the country and to meet the challenges of the next five years."

Mr Martin is set to be elected as Taoiseach on Wednesday - a position he is expected to hold until November 2027.

The position will then rotate to Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.

Independent TDs

Independent TDs who have agreed to support the incoming Government but who do not have a ministerial position will be allowed to ask questions from the opposition benches.

On Saturday, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has said a precedent for this was set during the confidence and supply agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in 2016, during which Fianna Fáil "was still considered the main opposition party".

She has invited any members of the Dáil Business Committee who do not agree to make a submission outlining any alternatives by close of business this Wednesday.

Feature image shows Micheál Martin (L, Alan Rowlette, RollingNews.ie) and Michael Lowry (R, Gareth Chaney, RollingNews.ie)