Kenny to join Mitchell's presidential campaign

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will join Fine Gael's presidential candidate Gay Mitchell today for the official launch of his campaign.

The pressure will be on Mr Kenny to see if he backs up disparaging comments made by senior Fine Gael figures about Sinn Féin candidate, Martin McGuinness.

The party's Environment Minister Phil Hogan suggested that US companies would be appalled if Mr McGuinness were elected to the Aras.

He added that Ireland's competitors would not be slow to whisper about a terrorist in the park.

Fine Gael Chief Whip Paul Keogh added his two cents when he said Mr McGuinness has the proceeds of the Northern Bank robbery "at his disposal".

The comments were clearly designed to boost Gay Mitchell's profile and set him in direct opposition to Martin McGuinness.

The Sinn Féin candidate was quick to hit back at what he called Fine Gael's "black propaganda" and dirty tricks.

He said he has encountered more bitterness and vitriol during this campaign than from established Unionists in the North over the years.