Fine Gael has today been accused of attempting to shield its leader Enda Kenny from hard and detailed questioning by the media.
Fianna Fáil defence spokesman Niall Collins said it appeared Fine Gael staff had arranged a "premature exit" for its party leader from a press conference earlier today.
Mr Kenny was almost 20 minutes late arriving at the launch of party's election campaign at its headquarters in Dublin this morning.
Following a speech and some questions, Mr Kenny's press officer then said the party leader had to leave in order to meet commitments in his schedule for the day, which included a trip to Cavan.
A number of journalists were unhappy with this and said they had more questions they wished to put to Mr Kenny. His press officer apologised and insisted there would opportunities to put questions to Mr Kenny in the future.
Mr Collins said Fine Gael must believe that providing sound-bytes will be sufficient in the run-up to the election. "I can assure them that this is not, and will not be the case," he said.
"The Irish electorate deserve to see those who aspire to the office of Taoiseach being put through their paces regarding their policies and their plans for economic recovery… He will not be able to spend the next 3 weeks running away."