Election too close to call, according to new polls

Two newspaper opinion polls show today that coalition options led by rivals Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny are running neck and neck ahead of Thursday's polling day.

The Red C study in the Sunday Business Post, which was taken on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, shows Fianna Fáil up one at 36% compared with last weekend, while Fine Gael drops two to 27%.

The Labour Party and the Progressive Democrats both slip one to 11% and 2% respectively.

The Greens are up two to 8% while Sinn Féin enjoys the biggest rise - up three to 10%.

Meanwhile the Millward Brown/IMS poll for the Sunday Independent, which was taken on Monday and Tuesday, puts Fianna Fáil up two points to 37% compared with the last study published 10 days ago.

Fine Gael and Labour are both down one to 25% and 12% respectively while the PDs are unchanged at 3%.

In today's election campaigning, Mr Ahern and Mr Kenny will hold election rallies in the capital.

Fianna Fáil will focus on pension proposals while Mr Ahern will address a rally of candidates and party workers.

Fine Gael leader Mr Kenny will publish his party's youth manifesto before addressing a party rally in Temple Bar.

Labour will be highlighting its opposition to hospital co-location while the Progressive Democrats have an evening rally planned.

The Greens will focus on ethics in public office and Sinn Féin publishes a document on senior citizens.