Irish Politicians Prepare To Face Off

The first live televised debate of the Irish republic's election campaign is being hosted by TV3 today, as Micheál Martin (pictured) and Eamon Gilmore go head to head at 8pm.

Enda Kenny is still refusing to capitulate to the pressure from the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Labour to turn up for the debate, and it is unclear whether his decision could be politically damaging.

The Fine Gael leader said he will not be at the three-way debate on Tuesday night in TV3 because his schedule doesn't allow for it. Last week Mr Kenny said he would not turn up for the debate because it is being chaired by Vincent Browne.

But according to TV3 this morning, Mr Browne is willing to step aside and instead allow Ursula Halligan to be the moderator. Enda Kenny however backtracked again, saying it was not the issue now, and that the problem was a scheduling issue.

Mr Kenny will be taking part in a public meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim tonight.

TV3 said their invitation to Enda Kenny remained an open one.

This afternoon, frontline public services, the health sector and the economy will be the subjects of the main parties' news conferences as they continue their heady campaign schedules.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is set to field questions on the national finances alongside Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan.

Fine Gael is focussing on the need to protect frontline services, while the Labour Party will be giving more details of its health policy.

The Green Party's agenda will centre on job creation.

(DW)