An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he will not seek the resignation of his Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

While he said that his party did not want a general election, "If we have to go to the polls, it is better to get it done before Christmas."

Fianna Fáil has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, calling for her to resign or else force a general election.

The Taoiseach met with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on Friday afternoon.

The talks were described as frank and open, and the pair are due to meet again tomorrow.

The crisis talks come as Ireland, and the rest of the EU, is at an important stage of Brexit negotiations.

Support

Fitzgerald's party Fine Gael has backed her, saying she will not be forced out of her role in Government.

On Friday morning, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that at a front-bench meeting of the party the motion was lodged and tabled.

Martin said that should the Tánaiste resign, then a general election will be avoided.

“A general election can be avoided if the Government takes action. We don’t want a general election. We don’t think an election shouldn’t occur at this time, but if it happens so be it.”

When asked if it is worth leaving Ireland without a Government during Brexit negotiations, Martin said that it is something that the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has to consider.

“She should step aside and that would avoid an election. The Dáil is united on the core principles of Brexit; this is not an attempt to undermine the Brexit negotiations.”

What next?

Should a general election be triggered as a result of the no confidence motion, then once the Dáil is dissolved a general election must be held within the next 30 days.

In turn, should the Dáil be dissolved next week then a general election could be held the week before Christmas.