AN hour long head to head television election debate between the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, and the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, is to take place on Wednesday, June 4th, on RTE 1.
However, despite opposition demands that the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, meet the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, in a similar debate, it seems highly unlikely that this will happen.
Ms Harney and Mr Ahern yesterday both called for such a debate, on the basis that Mr Spring is outgoing Tanaiste and the Progressive Democrats leader could fill that role in the next Government.
Mr Peter Feeney, RTE's editor of current affairs, said that instead of offering a debate between Mr Spring and Ms Harney, RTE was offering individual interviews. The leader of Democratic Left, Mr De Rossa, will be offered a similar slot, he said.