Contact has been made between the leaders of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on the formation of a coalition government.

Micheal Martin and Enda Kenny spoke by phone earlier today.

The development has been welcomed by Independents, who have in recent days called for the two parties to meet on the issue of government formation.

Micheal Martin says he and Enda Kenny have agreed to speak once again - after discussions with Independents have ended: