Sinn Féin has claimed that it will be in a "position of power" in the next Dáil.
Speaking at the launch of the party's policy on education, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe dismissed claims that the party was in a marginal position regardless of how many seats it won due to the unwillingness of the main political parties to form a coalition with it.
"We see ourselves in a position of power in the next Dáil, whether we are in government or not," said Mr Crowe, adding that the party would use that to pursue its policies.
Sinn Féin would be the "big story" of the election.
"Whether Bertie Ahern or Enda Kenny want to be part of that story is a matter for them, but it is mainly a matter for the electorate."
