Martin challenges Adams to debate

Fianna Fáil Leader, Micheál Martin has challenged Sinn Féin president Gerry
Adams to a head-to-head debate on the upcoming Stability Treaty referendum.

“As Leader of Fianna Fáil, I am willing to debate the reasons why people should vote yes and what this would mean for Ireland,” Mr Martin said.

"As President of the leading party advocating a no vote, Gerry Adams should be willing to debate and outline what he believes a no vote would mean for Ireland," he continued.

Mr Martin claimed there was "a fundamental dishonesty at the heart of Sinn Féin's analysis" and he rejected its assertion that if Ireland votes against the ESM Europe will respond with "more money at better interest rates" describing it as "completely untrue and inaccurate".

Mr Martin said he wanted to "tackle this head on with their party president. Those who have the privilege of leading a political party have an obligation to promote
and defend their party policy," he said.

He expressed the hope that Mr Adams would "step up to the mark and agree to a one-to-one debate."

In response Mr Adams appeared to sidestep the call for a one-to-one debate. He said that he would be happy to debate Micheál Martin "and all other party leaders on the Austerity Treaty".

Mr Adams added that given the importance of the referendum to Ireland’s future "there should be a live TV debate with all party leaders, similar to the General Election.

"Obviously the key players in any debate will be the leaders of Fine Gael and Labour as it is the government who must explain where the €6 billion in cuts is going to come from and who must answer questions about the veto.”