Leaders talk tough ahead of TV showdown
Irish election rivals Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny were today talking tough ahead of a crucial TV clash which may decide who becomes the next Taoiseach.
The party leaders go head-to-head for the first time in the campaign with poll day only a week away.
In a pre-emtive strike, Mr Ahern earlier said electing an alternative government led by Mr Kenny would be a recipe for disaster and would squander prosperity.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen's admission that he smoked marijuana caused a brief ripple in the campaign and other ministers immediately condemned drug abuse.
As parties look to the post-election situation, Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams reiterated that he was seeking a mandate to enter Government.
However the Taoiseach and Minister Willie O'Dea both immediately ruled out any coalition deal with Mr Adams' party.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte also seemed to rule out "doing any business" with Fianna Fáil.
"As regards the electoral strategy I have risked my reputation as leader in constructing a platform with Fine Gael in order to ensure that the people will have the opportunity of an alternative government," he said.
Meanwhile it emerged that gay and lesbian voters are more likely to vote for the Labour Party, according to a study by gay publication Gay Community News.
Some 20% of more than 1,000 people polled said they would favour Labour followed by 16% for the Greens. Support for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael was 11% and 7% respectively.
Fianna Fáil today launched its arts manifesto which includes plans for a national literature museum and a revamp for Glasnevin Cemetery.
The launch in Dublin's inner city was attended by Nicky Byrne of Westlife, singer Ronan Keating and actor Alan Stanford.
Meanwhile, the Green Party also vowed to provide 10,000 social housing units every year of the next government.
Housing spokesman Ciaran Cuffe said: "We will end the culture of development-led planning, which has left many communities without the basic amenities of schools, hospitals and access to public transport."
Fine Gael said it would appoint a minister for immigration affairs to deal with the influx of immigrants into schools and to vet asylum seekers from outside the EU.
"Immigration is both a challenge and an opportunity for the future of Ireland. Given our history, we have a special responsibility to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunity," Mr Kenny said.
A change to the criminal law to force those charged with crimes to outline their defence at the beginning of a trial has been proposed by the Progressive Democrats.
The Progressive Democrats today issued justice proposals to further rebalance criminal law to make it fairer for victims.
Under the plan, the prosecution would be allowed to challenge miscarriages of justice if new evidence came to light after a trial.
Outlining a five-point plan to combat crime, PD leader Michael McDowell emphasised the Government's track record on CCTV systems and ASBOs.
