RTÉ is to host a live head-to-head election debate between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny next Thursday, it was confirmed last night.
The May 17th debate, which will be chaired by Miriam O'Callaghan and will be broadcast immediately after the news at 9pm news, will last just over an hour.
In a letter to RTÉ this week, Fianna Fáil expressed reservations about the date of the televised debate, saying its preference was to have it in the last week of the campaign, when the parties would have laid out their policies and when debate on the issues would have evolved.
Fine Gael said it was always the party's preference to have the debate a week before polling.
Details of the format have yet to be confirmed.
RTÉ is also planning a televised debate between PD leader Michael McDowell, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams on May 16th. The debate will be chaired by Mark Little of Primetime.
Mr Sargent and Mr Adams have agreed to participate, and RTÉ is awaiting a response from Mr McDowell. Labour has declined an offer to send a representative.