The Tanaiste says any Fine Gael / Labour government propped up by independents would put Ireland's recovery at risk.

Joan Burton said she's deeply concerned at the suggestion that the current government might have to do a deal with independents after the election to stay in power.

Over the Weekend the Taoiseach refused to rule out the possibility of a deal with Michael Lowry if FG needs to make up the numbers. 

When asked about the issue today FG's Richard Bruton dismissed speculation on any potential deal as premature.

Labour leader Joan Burton says she would not like to be 'beholden to independent's' with differing personal and local agenda's.

 Sinead Spain reports 

Meanwhile Fianna Fail has accused Enda Kenny of flirting with Michael Lowry as his party gets a hammering on the doorsteps.

Galway East TD Colm Keaveney published proposals on mental health this afternoon, which include the establishment of a mental Health Authority.

And while he didn't want to be drawn into the events of the weekend, Deputy Keaveney says the Taoiseach is clearly making overtures to Independents;