FG in bullish election mood

The present Government has "squandered the economic boom and eroded the quality of life", Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan has claimed.

As the parties go on election alert, Deputy Noonan says the priority for the next administration must be to "stop the widening gap between the rich and the poor".

He says voters have a clear choice between another Government led by Fianna Fail or an alternative, which Deputy Noonan says would have to "undo the damage of the past five years".

The Fine Gael leader says his party is the only one which is clearly saying it will not put Fianna Fail back in power.