Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has this morning accused Taoiseach Enda Kenny of delivering a "big political lie" in a recent television interview.

Mr Martin also said Mr Kenny was “wrong” and “overly simplistic” in his portrayal of Fianna Fáil as the party that wrecked the economy.

“Just as he made other false assertions in terms of, for example, on the Miriam O’Callaghan show last week saying the Government had negotiated a €50 billion write down. That was a big political lie,” he said.

Mr Martin was referring to Mr Kenny's appearance on Prime Time last Thursday.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Mr Martin said Mr Kenny had not effected or negotiated "any €50 billion write down or savings on national debt". He added: "He didn't even ask...and couldn't answer Miriam O'Callaghan on that particular point".

“Enda Kenny was reckless in Opposition, he was not a force for stability and he attempted to undermine the then Government at every step as it sought in the midst of a severe financial crisis to rectify that crisis through a series of budgets.”

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said he was not going to engage in “political table tennis” with Mr Martin.

“Even his own people say he has no policies,” the spokesman added.