Government parties suffer swings and roundabouts in election polls

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

THE leaders of Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats, Mr Bertie Ahern and Ms Mary Harney, met and decided a formula to dilute differences on the controversy over unmarried mothers and cutbacks in the public service.

Their rivals in Fine Gael and Labour, the Taoiseach Mr Bruton and Tanaiste Mr Spring, met to "review the campaign so far". It coincided with the latest election poll suggesting the Rainbow parties had narrowed the FF/PD lead to four percentage points.

There was growing concern about an influx of asylum seekers. Two politicians campaigning in Dublin, Mr Jim Mitchell (FG) and Mr Joe Costello (Lab), expressed concern about racist attitudes among some voters.

The Temple Bar area in Dublin, developed through tax designation and £37 million in Government funding, has "definitely enough pubs and pub hotels", Ms Laura Magahy, managing director of Temple Bar Properties, admitted.

There is no evidence to suggest suicide among young people is related to exams, according to Dr Michael Kelleher of the National Suicide Research Foundation. The unusually high suicide rate among young Irish men was due in part "to aggression turned inwards" and an inability to recognise and/or acknowledge feelings of personal distress.

MONDAY

The Government moved to play down comments by the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, that a vote for Sinn Fein was "a vote for peace", after Fianna Fail seized on a "simmering contradiction" in the Rainbow's Northern Ireland strategy.

Two of the main boards of Waterford Foods backed a new offer of £337 million by Avonmore Foods. The deal involving two of Ireland's biggest dairy companies is subject to the approval of farmer shareholders from both groups.

Irish golfer Darren Clarke all but guaranteed his place on the European Ryder Cup golf team to play the US next September by taking joint second place in the Volvo PGA Championship in Wentworth behind Ian Woosnam.

Ireland's latest Lotto millionaire, a farmer, collected his £6.2 million and said he celebrated with cups of tea after dosing a cow.

Ketamine, a powerful animal anaesthetic, also known as Special K and LA coke, is the latest drug to appear on the streets of the Republic. The drug has swept the New York rave scene.

TUESDAY

Both Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats gave a "solemn pledge" to open the files on the hepatitis C victim, Mrs Brigid McCole, if elected to government. Mr Spring said it would be prejudicial to the State to publish the documents.

The latest opinion poll showed the FF/PDs lead over the Rainbow parties widened by eight points.

The High Court refused to ban the planting of genetically modified beet by the chemical company Monsanto in Co Carlow. Ms Clare Watson, of Genetic Concern, who sought an injunction, said that despite the decision a judicial review of the Environmental Protection Agency's permission would proceed.

The hearing in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands to decide if key figures are to give evidence to the McCracken payments to politicians tribunal concluded, but the judge reserved his decision.

WEDNESDAY

Abortion resurfaced as an election issue as the Cork TD, Mr Dan Wallace (FF), called for "legislative action" to outlaw abortion. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, re-entered the fray by accusing the State of withdrawing "into a form of moral neutrality" on the issue.

The rock star, Bob Dylan, was taken to hospital in the US with a heart complaint and is unable to travel for a concert in Ireland. He was due to headline the "Home coming" concert in Millstreet, Cork, with Van Morrison this Sunday, part of a two day commemoration of the Famine.

The GAA issued guidelines on handling child abuse allegations, which recommended immediate internal investigations of claims against its members, employees or volunteers.

In a major reversal of policy on adoption, the Government formally recognised International Orphan Aid which facilitates the adoption of Chinese children.

THURSDAY

After days of political squabbling over televised preelection debates, Mr Spring agreed to debate with Ms Mary Harney "any time".

Jason Ryan (11), of Clondalkin, died in a swimming accident in Dublin's Grand Canal. It is believed that he became entangled in an old shopping trolley when he jumped in. A friend, Keith Mahon (13), was described as "extremely critical" after getting into difficulties when he tried to rescue him.