Dempsey: FF will not engage in auction politics

The Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said this morning that Fianna Fáil would not engage in auction politics.

However, the minister said that some of the Progressive Democrats' pre-election proposals will be addressed in Fianna Fáil's own manifesto.

At the PDs conference at the weekend party leader Michael McDowell pledged to cut tax rates, and abolish stamp duty for first time buyers.

Minister Dempsey indicated that Fianna Fáil would set out its promises at the party Ard Fheis in five weeks' time: "I've no doubt that some of the issues addressed at the weekend will be addressed in our manifesto as well but we will stand on our own policies.

"When the election is over, if necessary then, as has been now for some time, we'll negotiate a programme for Government. One thing that we will try and ensure is that whatever policies are put in place will continue the economic prosperity that we have," he said.