Leo Varadkar believes Sinn Féin is preparing for a vote of no confidence over housing policy

Leo Varadkar conceded yesterday that he might be forced to call a snap election if Sinn Féin followed through on its threat to table a motion of no confidence on the issue of housing.

The taoiseach said he did not believe that the government would have the support of Fianna Fáil in such a scenario. A senior Fianna Fáil TD confirmed that the party would consider backing the Sinn Féin move, which would breach the confidence and supply agreement that underpins the minority government.

Eoghan Murphy, the housing minister who is under pressure from both opposition parties over his performance, said yesterday that they were adopting Trump-like tactics against him.

“They say we’re not building — that’s not true,” Mr Murphy said. “They say we’re