FG/Labour briefing:The Fine Gael and Labour leaders have said the ongoing controversy over the Taoiseach's finances proves that they provide the only real, credible, alternative government.
However, Enda Kenny and Pat Rabbitte declined to call on the Taoiseach to make a statement clarifying issues surrounding his financial affairs, saying if he has something to say about it, "let him say so".
Speaking at a joint briefing following the earlier press conference in which Tánaiste Mr McDowell called on Mr Ahern to make a statement on his financial affairs before polling day, Mr Kenny said if the Taoiseach had something to say about the matter let him say it.
"Our focus has been entirely on the problems that have beset the nation and on the credibility of the programme to which we have agreed and costed to put before the electorate."
He said five years ago people said there was no credible alternative. "Five years on it is perfectly obvious this Government is no longer credible, and that the only credible alternative that is on offer is between the Fine Gael and Labour party." he added.
Mr Rabbitte described the actions of the Tánaiste yesterday and his press conference as "a plea for attention" and said it is time to bring coherence and stability to the political scene.
"It's clear that after developments of the last 48 hours in particular that there is only now one credible, stable, alterative available to people in this general election and we would like to get on with it and discuss the issues on top of people's agenda such as hospitals and schools and childcare and so on."
The Labour Party leader said the two parties are very happy with how the campaign is going and they hoped to focus on the main issues from here.
Asked if he was worried that the latest controversy may give Mr Ahern a bounce in the polls, as happened last October, Mr Rabbitte said the only bounce he is interested in is that Mr Ahern be bounced out of Government, "which I think is desirable in the interest of the issues now that are now confronting us".
"I think this Government has effectively collapsed. We are offering a stable, credible alternative. And that's the only bounce I am interested in," Mr Rabbitte said.
Mr Kenny described claims by Minister of State Tom Parlon that a member of the party has a "bombshell" to explode on the 21st day of the election campaign as "fantasy."
"I don't know anything about Minister Parlon's fantasy, but all I can say to you is there will be a bombshell and that will be on the 24th of May when people cast their verdict on this shambles of an election" Mr Kenny said.
He said he had no idea what Mr Parlon was talking about.
"In my view its complete fantasy. If he has something to say let him say it. What is happening now gives a new definition to slump coalition," he added.