Good morning.
Two down, two to go. The second leaders’ debate of the general election wrapped up just after 11.30pm in the National University of Galway last night, and most of the leaders departing the campus - spinning as they left - declared themselves happy.
There was no outright winner between Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin, Mary Lou McDonald, Brendan Howlin, Eamon Ryan, Roisín Shortall and Richard Boyd Barrett.
All will have taken some positives from the proceedings but, overall, it is unlikely the debate will have a huge bearing on how people will vote.
Snap analysis from yours truly is here, and Patrick Freyne's take on it is here. You can find our special Election Daily podcast discussing the debate here.
The next debate is on Virgin Media One tomorrow night, between seven leaders once again, and Varadkar and Martin face off in their final head-to-head encounter next Tuesday, just days before polling day on February 8th.
Away from the debate studio, Sinn Féin unveils its manifesto today - a new 5 per cent tax on anyone earning above €140,000 is one of its key measures - with McDonald, Pearse Doherty and Eoin O'Broin doing the honours. The party, on a roll after a number of strong opinion poll showings, will come under intense scrutiny for the remainder of the campaign.
It was evident in last night's debate when Martin claimed unelected figures run Sinn Féin, a charge strongly denied by McDonald, and again in the newspapers this morning. Pat Leahy reports here on the pledge taken by all party candidates – which McDonald says is in line with other political parties and organisations such as GAA clubs.
The Irish Independent leads on comments from Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, who claims key policy decisions in Sinn Féin are made by a "very tight circle" of six or seven people and are then "handed down" to TDs.
Tóibín left Sinn Féin because of differences over abortion policy and set up his own party, Aontú. Sinn Féin is said to be directing huge resources into Meath West, and its candidate Johnny Guirke from Oldcastle, in an effort to unseat Tóibín and crush his new party.
Expect McDonald and her party to face more pressure in the days ahead.
Best reads
Jennifer Bray is on the canvass with Minister for Children Katherine Zappone.
The Times, Ireland Edition, reports "autistic" comments made by Fine Gael senator and candidate Catherine Noone in relation to Varadkar.
Carl O'Brien talks to first-time voters.
Jennifer O'Connell meets the members of the Ramsgrange Men's Shed.
In a letter to unions, Leo Varadkar claims Fianna Fáil will freeze public sector pay.
Fianna Fáil, meanwhile, promises to tackle the cost of insurance.
Election Diary
Leo Varadkar stays in Galway after last night’s debate and will be canvassing in the city centre, Athenry and Abbeyknockmoy.
Sinn Féin launches its manifesto this afternoon in the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, Dublin.
Labour also publishes its manifesto at noon in the Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin.
The Greens announce their public transport policy in Temple Bar, Dublin.
The Social Democrats’ mental health policy will be unveiled in NUIG.
Our #GE2020 coverage
We have a dedicated section on our website devoted to all things election.
We will also have a daily Election 2020 political blog to give you live coverage - written, audio, video and social media - of the campaign as it happens. If you see anything that might be worth noting (especially if it’s quirky) you can contact Harry McGee via Twitter @harrymcgee or at hmcgee@irishtimes.com.
We will also have a daily Inside Politics podcast, hosted by Hugh Linehan, which will give you analysis each day from our award-winning team.
