PDs launch election campaign

The Progressive Democrats have launched their general election campaign in Prosperous, Co Kildare.

The party has promised no increases in PRSI or taxes and said it can guarantee a €6bn transformation fund to boost infrastructure if returned to power.

It also promised to recruit 2,000 extra Gardai and provide 40,000 new childcare places.

PD leader Mary Harney said her party’s core aim is to achieve full employment, saying a prosperous Ireland is the best guarantee of a socially just country.