What happened yesterday on the campaign trail.
Fianna Fáil
At a Fianna Fáil briefing on the economy, Brian Cowen said the party's policies were based on responsible budgets that will would pass on an effectively debt-free country to the next generation. He said Fine Gael and Labour were spending the same money "twice and three times". "They have run away from any serious scrutiny of their plans and responded with bluster every time they have been challenged."
Fine Gael
At a briefing on family-friendly policies, Fine Gael social affairs spokesman David Stanton said the party would look at restructuring of the €1,000 a year early childcare supplement. He said the party would give priority to investigating if the administration of the payment could be changed so only children living in the State benefit. "The millions going to children of immigrant workers overseas should be kept in this country to help offset parents' huge costs."
Labour Party
Labour outlined its plan "for ending the chaos in A&E". It used the example of St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny, which party leader Pat Rabbitte said "is known throughout the health service as a hospital that works and which has avoided the worst problems experienced in A&E units across the country. Bed capacity is critical, both in terms of acute in-patient beds, and in respect of step-down facilities. That is why Labour is committed to building 2,300 hospital beds and 1,500 step-down beds."
Progressive Democrats
Launching the party's agriculture policy, Tom Parlon said the Green Party had attempted "to disown their long- standing policy of opposing live cattle exports". He claimed the Green Party's animal welfare policy said the party "does not promote or support live exports of animals". "Enda Kenny and Trevor Sargent have been seeking to deny that plain truth as enshrined in the Green Party's policy."
Green Party
The party said it would freeze tax cuts in order to deliver a first-class public health service if in government. Party leader Trevor Sargent said yesterday it would be "incredibly difficult" to deliver urgently needed health service reform alongside across-the-board tax cuts.
"I cannot see how this can be achieved alongside the widespread tax cuts that other parties are promising."
Sinn Féin
Unveiling proposals on drugs, Sinn Féin said it would appoint a minister of state with responsibility for the issue. Justice spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh also called for systematic social investment and drug treatment services. "This is no longer a problem confined to Dublin or the major urban centres. Illegal hard drugs are now available in most villages and small towns with the attendant problems of crime and anti-social behaviour."
What happens today
Fianna Fáil:Micheál Martin, Séamus Brennan and Barry Andrews will host a briefing on small businesses.
Fine Gael:Phil Hogan and deputy leader Richard Bruton will make presentations on the cost of living.
Labour:Róisín Shortall and Labour Senator Derek McDowell will launch the party's plan for disadvantaged communities.
Progressive Democrats:Deputy leader Liz O'Donnell and Colm O'Gorman will host a briefing on education.
Green Party:Councillor Bronwen Maher and party leader Trevor Sargent will meet Seán Dublin Bay Loftus to highlight "a 52-acre Dublin Bay infill issue" at Dollymount Strand in Dublin.
Sinn Féin:Party president Gerry Adams will canvass in Dublin.