Nurses' dispute to dominate election

The escalating nurses dispute is expected to dominate the general election campaign today.

Nurses' union members have until 5.30pm to end work-to-rule protests or the Health Service Executive will dock 13% of their wage packets.

Minister for Health Mary Harney will be expecting a frosty reception when she addresses a special delegate conference of the Irish Nursing Organisation (INO) in Dublin today.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and other TDs will later take part in a political panel discussion at the event.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte is to make a keynote speech on change in the health service during a visit to the Cork East constituency.

The Taoiseach will be canvassing in Claremorris, Castlerea, Portumna and Limerick City.

The Progressive Democrats will aim to raise awareness of hospital beds and other health issues while Minister for Health Mary Harney is to canvass with candidate, musician Frank McNamara at Heuston Station.

Mr Kenny will be canvassing in north Dublin and Wicklow.

Sinn Féin will set out commitments on a strong public health service, including a pledge to provide 3,000 additional acute hospital beds and to end the proposed co-location scheme.

Labour will launch its plan for sports and recreation, Game On, which will outline key commitments on encouraging participation in sport in the community and in Irish schools. Supports will also be provided to elite amateur and professional athletes.

The Greens will launch a public transport policy for Limerick City.