Martin 'still considering' five-way Valentine's Day leaders' debate

On day four of the General Election campaign, Fine Gael is due to unveil its plans to cut back on official transport for Ministers, while Labour is to highlight its stance on the banking sector.

Today's canvassing is likely to be dominated by proposals put forward last night for a televised leaders' debate.

Last night, Enda Kenny said he would not take part in any debate which is chaired by Vincent Browne, due to remarks made by the TV3 presenter about Mr Kenny in a programme aired last year.

Instead, the Fine Gael leader said he would participate in a five-way debate on RTE on Monday, February 14 and in a three-way debate, jointly hosted by TV3 and RTE, on Tuesday, February 22.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Valentines Day debate on RTE will include Micheal Martin, after he said that he is still considering whether to take part.

Mr Martin said he feels there is no need to include the leaders of the two smaller parties, The Green Party and Sinn Féin, in the televised debate.

Meanwhile, in a statment issued last night, TV3 said their leaders' debate, presented by Vincent Browne and Ursula Halligan, will go ahead next Tuesday, with Micheál Martin and Eamon Gilmore.