Mitchell denies anti-McGuinness strategy

Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell has denied his strategy is to attack Martin McGuinness after heated exchanges in last night's Presidential candidates' debate on TV3.

Mr McGuinness came under fire from host Vincent Browne and from Mr Mitchell for his assertion that he left the IRA in 1974. Mr McGuinness also said he believed the issue of his IRA membership, and when it ended, was not of concern to the people he met on the campaign trail.