The SDLP has not ruled a merger with one of Ireland's political parties in the future, according to the party leader, Mark Durkan.

Mr Durkan, who is also Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, said he believed there would be a natural realignment across the island in years to come.

In an interview with the BBC's Hearts and Minds programme, the SDLP leader refused to rule out the possibility of his party merging with a party south of the border.

While he would not be drawn on any one party, he predicted such a move in the longer term would be in line with the political changes happening across the island.

Bertie Ahern is forming a new coalition

His comments come as Sinn Fein's five newly elected TDs prepare to travel to Leinster House on Thursday to formally sign the role of members.

In the Republic of Ireland, the Progressive Democrats have authorised Mary Harney to begin talks with Bertie Ahern about forming a new coalition government with his Fianna Fail party.

The final make-up of the new Dail will not be known until a recount in Wicklow is completed on Thursday.

Fianna Fail failed to win enough seats in Friday's election for an outright parliamentary majority.

Resigned

The party came within a whisker of an absolute majority, but had not managed to reach the 83 seats required.

There were major changes, however, on the opposition benches.

The main opposition Fine Gael party suffered heavy losses, while Sinn Fein and the Green Party both made sizeable gains.

Fine Gael's leader, Michael Noonan, resigned while the count was still going on.

Former IRA gun-runner Martin Ferris celebrates victory

The results also showed big gains for Sinn Fein, which won five seats. In one constituency, former IRA gun-runner Martin Ferris captured a seat held for more than 20 years by Dick Spring, a former Labour foreign minister.

But Mr Ahern indicated he was not prepared to share national government with the party while the IRA was still in existence.