Fine Gael's problems in Waterford have escalated as Fine Gael Senator Paudie Coffey has announced he will not contest the next General Election in Waterford.

Fine Gael Senator Paudie Coffey believes the loss of his Dáil seat in 2016 by 300 votes was due to a newspaper article about county boundary changes which likened him to an 18th century robber, the High Court has heard.

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has opened the door to the most popular political leader in the country to join himself and Taoiseach Brian Cowen in their televised debates ahead of the next general election.