THE TAOISEACH, Mr Bruton, yesterday challenged the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, to a public debate when they are both in Cork today.
A spokesman for Mr Ahern last night described the offer as a "try on" and said Mr Bruton was well aware that a national televised debate was scheduled for next Wednesday.
Mr Bruton wrote to Mr Ahern yesterday evening saying that in the previous few hours he had learned that they would both be in Cork today. "This is the weekend when many voters will be making up their minds on how to vote", Mr Bruton wrote. "In my view, the voters would be greatly assisted by a public ventilation of the key national issues facing the nation".
Mr Bruton invited Mr Ahern to a public debate at a Cork venue at 9 p.m. "Alternatively, if this is not convenient, I could go back down to Cork on Friday evening to have the debate.
A spokesman for Mr Ahern said: "Bertie says he'll be in Church Street in Dublin at 10 p.m. tonight if Mr Bruton is that anxious to debate with him."
In a subsequent statement last night Mr Bruton said the fact that Mr Ahern had backed away from the challenge said "all that needed to be said about his weakness as a leader".
The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, has renewed her call for a head to head debate with the Labour Party leader, Mr Spring. Ms Harney said she was prepared to take part in a three way debate which would include the Democratic Left leader, Mr De Rossa.
Ms Harney said: "If he (the Tanaiste) is seriously interested in discussing the issues, he should agree now to a debate and let the people decide who should form the partnership in the new government ..."