Sinn Féin set to launch manifesto today

The General Election campaign steps up today with political parties canvassing for support around the country.

Sinn Féin will launch its manifesto today to outline how it plans to run the country if elected on February 25.

Party leader Gerry Adams will be flanked by party vice-president Mary Lou McDonald, Dáil leader Caoimhghin O Caolain and Finance Spokesman Pearse Doherty at the launch in Dublin.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and his Finance Spokesman, Michael Noonan, will reveal the party's fiscal plan called 'Less Waste, Lower Taxes, Stronger Growth'.

Later Mr Kenny will meet party candidates during a tour of Bray, Wicklow town and Arklow.

Meanwhile Labour leader Eamon Gilmore will address the Dublin Web Summit Leaders' breakfast in Dublin where he will announce details of his party's proposals for a scholarship programme to bring talented young people from the emerging economies to study in Ireland.

Mr Gilmore will later meet students at NUI Maynooth and visit Microsoft in Sandyford.

Fianna Fáil will announce its fiscal policy as party leader Micheál Martin returns to his home county Cork to meet voters in Midleton before travelling to Waterford City and New Ross, Co Wexford.

Elsewhere John Gormley, Green Party leader, will join his former junior minister Trevor Sargent canvassing in Swords, north Dublin.