Kenny: Adams 'flogging a dead horse' over TV debate

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that Gerry Adams is "flogging a very dead horse" on the matter of a one-to-one televised debate - and also leapt to the defence of Jedward following comments by the Sinn Féin president.

Mr Kenny's comments come after Deputy Adams last night repeated his challenge to the Taoiseach to participate in a televised debate on the EU fiscal treaty prior to the referendum on May 31.

The Sinn Féin president made the remarks in Killarney where his party's two-day Ard Fheis is taking place.

But, speaking in Dublin today the Taoiseach emphatically rebuffed that challenge… and subsequently defended the honour of our boys in Baku.

"He's flogging a very dead horse," Mr Kenny said.

"I have no intention of giving the leader of Sinn Féin a further platform for proclaiming hypocrisy and lies.

"I debate with Deputy Adams in the Dáil every Tuesday and every Wednesday," he added.

"Last week he cast aspersions on two young people who represent our country in the Eurovision Song Contest this evening and I deplore that sort of insult to young people.

"They shouldn't be referred to in those tones by the Sinn Féin leader."