| Economic boom down to us —
Fianna Fáil
FIANNA Fáil has rejected the suggestion by Tánaiste
Michael McDowell that his Progressive Democratic party was the driving
force behind Ireland’s economic prosperity.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin
said that while the Fianna Fáil-PD partnership was responsible
for the economic turnaround of the past 10 years, it was his party which
had made all the tough decisions.
The Minister argued policies like reducing corporate and capital gains
tax are what allowed businesses to really flourish in Ireland.
He said: “Make no mistake about it, Fianna Fáil is the lead
party, it’d be the party that’s had the capacity to take the
tough decisions and take those decisions through.”
Election debates
IRISH political parties and broadcasters are locked in negotiations over
a series of television debates that could swing the general election.
RTÉ is understood to be hammering out deals to forge three major
head-to-head showdowns as well as a round-the-table show with the leaders
of the main six parties.
Sources have indicated it is now inevitable that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
and his opposition rival Enda Kenny will lock horns during a one-off special
in the final week of the campaign.
TV3 are believed to be importing an idea from the US where party leaders
face rapid-fire questions from two hard-hitting interviewers.
The format would be similar to the CNN current affairs show Crossfire
where guests are interrogated by presenters representing opposing political
viewpoints.
A source close to the Taoiseach said he had already agreed to the face-to-face
with Mr Kenny during the week leading up to the May 24 poll.
Mr Kenny’s party Fine Gael confirmed the television contest was
being discussed.
Tribunal delay
THE Mahon Tribunal has announced it is postponing public hearings until
after the General Election.
The tribunal was due to resume the Quarryvale Two module last week which
has heard an allegation that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern received £80,000
from a Cork developer.
It will now resume hearings on May 28.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, the Minister for Health and Children Mary
Harney said she respected the decision of the judges.
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny said the adjournment was a matter solely
for the tribunal. |
