Party leaders to hold televised debate

The leaders of  four of the smaller political parties will debate the general election issues in a one-hour progamme on RTÉ television…

The leaders of  four of the smaller political parties will debate the general election issues in a one-hour progamme on RTÉ television tonight.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent, Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams will debate the economy, health, crime and other issues during the Prime Timeprogramme.

The debate comes a day before the head-to-head between the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, to be broadcast tomorrow night.

On the campaign trail today, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin held a briefing on Fianna Fáil's policy on education and class sizes, while Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is canvassing in the Meath Street and Thomas Street districts of the Coombe area of Dublin.

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Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will visit the newly-redrawn Roscommon/South Leitrim constituency. The party's  deputy leader Richard Bruton this morning hosted a briefing on the party's approach to ensuring greater ministerial accountability.

The Labour Party's leader and deputy leader Pat Rabbitte and Liz McManus held a press conference "on the need for better delivery and value for money for taxpayers".

Progressive Democrats Minister of State Tim O'Malley will publish the party's sports policy online at noon, while party leader Michael McDowell is campaigning in Limerick.

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent and election candidate Patricia McKenna will hold a briefing on education at St Patrick's Teacher Training College, Drumcondra.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams joined Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Mary Lou McDonald for the launch of the party's general election manifesto this morning.