Party comes out punching after TV’s fight night

FIANNA FÁIL yesterday tried to capitalise on what was generally seen as a narrow victory for Bertie Ahern in the TV debate by renewing its attacks on Fine Gael’s policies.

But its criticisms were vigorously rebuffed by Fine Gael which insisted Enda Kenny had won the TV debate “hands down”.

As the closest fought election campaign for 15 years drew into its final week, both parties attempted to use the showdown between the leaders as the springboard for the last phase.