What happened yesterday.
Fianna Fáil:
Brian Cowen said the Taoiseach had comprehensively dismantled Enda Kenny's "Contract for a Better Ireland" in Thursday night's RTÉ debate.
Mr Cowen said that the Fine Gael leader was forced into admissions that exposed his promises on health as empty soundbites.
"Extra beds cost extra money and we've shown our commitment and they've shown their cynicism."
Fine Gael:
Education spokeswoman Olwyn Enright said the party would ensure pre-school places for all children.
Launching Fine Gael's plan to offer each child a subsidy of two-thirds of the cost of one year in pre-school education, Ms Enright said it would put in place "vital building blocks to help children learn".
"Funding pre-school education in this way will allow us to target State provision towards high-risk groups and sectors of society, whilst at the same time empowering all parents to choose between differing pre-school options for their child using direct subsidies."
Labour:
Director of elections James Wrynn said he expected "a significant increase" in the 62.7 per cent turnout in 2002, despite "a slow and uncertain start" to the Fianna Fáil campaign.
"There is a far higher level of interest in the election than on the last occasion. Canvassers report a real level of engagement on the doorstep and a degree of interest in political issues that has not been evident for some time," he said.
Progressive Democrats:
Speaking at a function in Dublin, Mary Harney questioned the quality of the Fine Gael and Labour front benches.
"There is no such thing as a pro-business government with just one or two pro-business ministers. And there is no such thing as a pro-business government without a pro-business finance minister. Labour's Pat Rabbitte wants Finance and would insist on getting it," she said.
Green Party:
The party promised to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities if elected to government.
Party leader Trevor Sargent said the Greens favoured increasing the disability payment and implementing the National Disability Strategy. "There are about 400,000 people in Ireland with some form of disability. There is a significant need for improvements in terms of income maintenance and access to services."
Sinn Féin:
The party launched its manifesto for the Irish language.
Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Department of Education had to be more active in promoting gaelscoileanna
"Time and time again it has been up to parents to travel, organise and run schools at their own expense and still wait on official recognition. We feel that official recognition could come a lot quicker."
What happens today
Fianna Fáil:A number of its Ministers will highlight its tax and pension policies at an event in Dublin.
Fine Gael:Party leader Enda Kenny will campaign in his home constituency of Mayo.
Labour:Joan Burton and Oisín Quinn will launch the party's plan for youth activity schemes.
Progressive Democrats: Party leader Michael McDowell will canvass in his Dublin South East constituency.
Green Party:Leading party figures will take part in a photocall outside Government Buildings as part of its "Vote the Wasters Out" campaign.
Sinn Féin:The party will launch proposals on the environment and heritage.