The Irish premier has branded Sinn Fein's performance in the council elections as an "unmitigated disaster", but has refused to call an early general election despite government parties performing better than expected.It comes as the leader of Sinn Fein said she is "sorry" that her candidates did not perform better in Ireland's local elections, amid criticism of the party's strategy in the council races.Mary Lou McDonald made the comments as vote counting continues for Ireland's local and Europe

The Irish premier has branded Sinn Fein's performance in the council elections as an "unmitigated disaster", but has refused to call an early general election despite government parties performing better than expected.It comes as the leader of Sinn Fein said she is "sorry" that her candidates did not perform better in Ireland's local elections, amid criticism of the party's strategy in the council races.Mary Lou McDonald made the comments as vote counting continues for Ireland's local and European elections.