Micheál Martin is predicting Fianna Fáil has a strong chance of leading the next government.
In an interview with The Last Word, Mr Martin said he wants "a fairer Ireland and a more decent society", while "Fine Gael want a US tax system to the detriment of public services."
He said he did not accept the premise that the country was bankrupt in 2011 as Fianna Fáil left power, insisting his party had secured funding for three years via the Troika bailout.
Despite ruling out coalitions with Fine Gael and Sinn Fein, Mr Martin insisted he does not want to continue in opposition.
He claims that he has not been hearing criticism of Fianna Fáil's record in government from voters.
Micheál Martin told the Last Word that he has a realistic chance of being the next Taoiseach:
