TV3 has offered to host a live debate between Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader, Michael McDowell and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, following Mr Rabbitte's refusal to take part in a similar event on RTÉ. Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent, reports.
Mr McDowell accepted the proposal from the independent channel yesterday, subject to agreement on the timing and the structure of any encounter with Mr Rabbitte before the election.
Though official comment from TV3 was not forthcoming yesterday, it is understood that the station has offered to heavily promote the televised confrontation, a move that would help to increase ratings.
Labour last week rejected a similar offer from RTÉ, on the grounds that it would contest every constituency in the State, while describing the Progressive Democrats as "a niche party".
Meanwhile, senior RTÉ management is to give added detail to its proposal to hold a series of debates involving the six main political leaders in the run-up to polling day.
Already, the national broad- caster has proposed a six-way leaders' debate before a live studio audience, plus two further debates - one between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, and the other between Mr McDowell and Mr Rabbitte.
Fine Gael remains supportive of the concept, with some questions, though Labour wants the format limited to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Progressive Democrats - the four most likely partners in a post-election coalition.
Labour has also expressed concerns that the format proposed by RTÉ would limit actual debate between the party leaders, who would be confined to answering questions from the audience. Fianna Fáil, for now, has simply sought extra information.