The Green Party said today it was "quietly confident" of winning four or five seats in the next Dáil.
Party leader Mr Trevor Sargent reported Green candidates had been encountering "substantial levels of disillusionment" with the established parties. The Greens presented the only viable alternative for many, he said.
"It will be difficult but we will do well," he said. "We feel that our refreshing and up-front approach is winning favour".
He echoed warnings issued by the other major parties yesterday against returning Fianna Fáil to power with an overall majority, describing the possibility as a "travesty".
Mr Sargent said: "Any party which returns to power for a second term develops an arrogant streak and this cannot be allowed to happen," he claimed. "The 'Bertie Bowl' is a typical indicator of this arrogance especially when so many are still in need".
A poll conducted earlier this week by IMS and published in the Irish Independentput support for the Greens at 4 per cent, equal with Sinn Féin and slightly ahead of the Progressive Democrats.
The party is running 33 candidates in as many constituencies, the highest number of Green candidates ever to contest a General Election.
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