Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said that the “the eyes of the people are on Leinster House today” as her newly elected team of TDs arrived at Leinster House.
Deputy McDonald stated that "an overwhelming majority of people voted for change, they voted for a new Government, and that is what they expect to be delivered”.
Ms McDonald said: “They want a Government that will build homes; cut rents and freeze them; reduce the pension age to 65; give workers and families a break; and that will advance Irish unity.
“There is a clear choice facing all of those elected to the Dáil. That choice is between a Government for Change, or a grand coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“I will be standing for the position of Taoiseach today because I want to stand up for all of those who voted for real change and I want to deliver for all those that voted for change.”