A Sinn Féin Senator says that attacks by Fianna Fáil on his party are trying to distract from a lack of policy points. 

David Cullinane says that it was Fianna Fáil policies that led Ireland into recession in the first place.

He was reacting to comments from Niall Collins who described Sinn Féin as a political cult.

Senator Cullinane says Fianna Fáil are not providing a real alternative to the current government.

Fianna Fáil frontbencher Collins earlier said Sinn Féin is a "political cult" and says there is "no way" he would go into coalition with them.

Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins was speaking after at least 3 leading Fianna Fáil TDs earlier admitted they wouldn’t be opposed to going into a coalition with Sinn Féin.

Deputy John McGuinness, Colm Keaveney and Eamon O’Cuiv have said they are not willing to rule it out - despite the fact that Fianna Fáil party leader Michael Martin saying that Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail policies weren’t compatible.

Fianna Fáil's Niall Collins says he'd be completely opposed to any deal with Gerry Adams's party: