Kenny declines debate offer, claims he hasn’t seen invite

Enda Kenny has refused to accept an invitation to take part in an RTÉ television leaders debate on the EU treaty next week.

The Taoiseach’s spokes- man last night confirmed he would not take part in a planned Prime Time debate planned for next Tuesday, just two days before polling day.

“The Taoiseach is playing a leading and active role in informing people about the stability treaty. More information has been provided than ever before so that people can be sure about what they’re voting on. This is not about party political point- scoring, it’s about a treaty which, if passed, will be a positive step on Ireland’s road to recovery.”

Mr Kenny was travelling around the country and debating in the Dáil, he said.

An RTÉ statement said: “RTÉ had hoped to include the Taoiseach as part of our coverage of the fiscal stability referendum debate, but while this has not proved possible, senior government figures have contributed to our coverage and will continue to do so.”

Earlier in the Dáil, Mr Kenny said he had not seen any invitation from RTÉ to participate in a debate.

However, Mr Kenny’s spokesman said on Tuesday night he had received “numerous requests, including one from RTÉ”, to participate in debates but no decision had been made on the matter.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said it was “very bizarre” that Mr Kenny is being granted time by RTÉ to make a televised address on the treaty on Sunday evening. The slot is being allocated to secure balanced referendum coverage following Mr Adams’s ard fheis speech which will be broadcast on Saturday.

Mr Adams said: “Wouldn’t it be more leaderly as a Taoiseach that you come into a TV studio and inform people, and leave your policies open to scrutiny by others, and have a genuine and informed debate and argue the points?”

FF leader Micheál Martin said at least one third of voters were still undecided and a leaders’ debate should be facilitated.

Richard Boyd Barrett of the United Left Alliance, told Mr Kenny he should “stop hiding behind media soundbites and brief Dáil exchanges where you always get the last word”.

Mr Adams told Mr Keny he would be out of his depth when he met other EU leaders later in the evening. “Why don’t you send Jedward to represent us? They at least might stand up for Ireland’s interests.”

Mr Kenny said the comment “doesn’t merit response because you yourself were very badly exposed on your economics not once but more than once”.