Ahern and Kenny face off in live TV debate

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny have gone head-to-head in a live television debate tonight.

The format for the debate on RTÉ's Prime Timesaw each leader make a two minute address from a podium before taking their seats on either side of Ms Miriam

O'Callaghan, who chaired the discussion.

In his opening statement Mr Ahern stressed the Government's record and said the "best way forward [for the country] is to build on our progress, not to turn our back on it."

Mr Ahern said his government made "more progress in a shorter time than any other government in the history of the State."

In his opening statement Mr Kenny said that the country was tired of continuing with a "tired government that breaks its word".

Mr Kenny stressed his 'contract' with the Irish people and said he would go if he failed to deliver as taoiseach say "I understand that your lives and our countries future is more important than my career."

When the Taoiseach was asked if after being 10 years in power it was time for him, like his counterpart the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to resign he said he is as "excited now as I was 10 years ago" before adding that his "energy levels are as strong as ever".

During questions on his lack of ministerial experience and his ability to be taoiseach Mr Kenny said that the role was about "decisiveness and having a vision for the country in order to pick the team to deliver in government".

Both leaders stressed the economy as being their priority.

The Taoiseach said it is impossible to improve things for ordinary people unless you run a good economy.

Mr Kenny if he was taoiseach he would "build on a strong economy to deliver public services".

On health Mr Ahern said he didn't accept that the Health Service is in crisis although he did admit there were some difficulties.

Mr Kenny said health is the big failure of the current government. He said they had "thrown money at every problem without a strategic plan to deal with it".

On his recent controversial financial affairs the Taoiseach was again forced to reiterate that he did nothing wrong as Finance Minister in the early 1990s.

He said: "I put all of my records for the best part of 20 years out there."

He added: "They were fair questions to be asked and they were fair questions to be answered."

Mr Ahern claimed that he was going through difficult uncertain times after separation with his wife.

"To rent a house, I hope is not a crime, or to take loans from personal friends or not to have bank accounts.

Mr Kenny again refused to make political capital on the controversy surrounding Mr Ahern's financial affairs.

"I am not adjudicating on the integrity of Bertie Ahern," he told debate host Ms O'Callaghan.

Defending his Contract for a Better Irelandpledge, the Mr Kenny said no Cabinet member had ever been sacked for incompetence or lack of accountability.

He reiterated that he would not seek to be returned as Taoiseach if promises were not delivered, such as 2,300 hospital beds, 2,000 extra gardaí.

Additional reporting PA