The three main political parties in the General Election race have agreed to submit their budget plans for independent analysis as the economy continued to a play a key role in the campaign.
The differing financial blueprints of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour groups are to be assessed separately by unaligned experts ahead of the May 17th nationwide poll.
The move follows days of bitter debate over fiscal issues since the Taoiseach Mr Ahern called the election late last week.
The independent reviews were urged by Fianna Fáil Finance Minister Mr Charlie McCreevy, who tonight welcomed the agreement of their rivals to his suggestion.
He said: "The parties must now agree to a panel of independent economists, to which they will submit their plans without delay so that the results of their studies can be seen as soon as possible.
"We believe that the information must be fully comprehensive, with no more hiding on base assumption."
Fine Gael's Mr Alan Dukes said Fianna Fail were attempting to divert attention from social issues like health and education, but stressed that his party welcomed the proposed economic evaluation of their plans.
While Labour leader Mr Ruairi Quinn said the study would show that his party's manifesto was the only honest one.
Fianna Fail leader Mr Ahern and Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan were out of Dublin today.
Mr Ahern was in Galway, where he had an unscheduled meeting with independent election candidate Ms Rosemary Scallon who told him that the days of neglect in the West of Ireland had to end.
While Mr Noonan was in Boyle, Co Roscommon, where he had an unexpected encounter with a custard pie. Unhurt Mr Noonan continued on the campaign trail after a quick change of clothes.
PA