What happened yesterday
Fianna Fáil
Brian Cowen said the election came down to "a choice between soundbites and substance". He claimed Fine Gael's contract was "riddled with holes" and that Fianna Fáil had proposed more realistic reforms."We have set out an ambitious programme that will ensure Ireland is a success not just today, but also in the years ahead."
Fine Gael
Enda Kenny said the FF-PD Government's "time is up". He said it was time for a government "that keeps its word, delivers a health service that works and takes responsibility for its actions"."If you think the health service is good enough, vote for FF and the PDs. If you think the health service must be better, vote for the FG-Labour alliance."
Labour
Pat Rabbitte said he remained opposed to coalition with Fianna Fáil: "I am against returning this Government that has failed to capitalise on the fruits of the boom over the last five years and that has left us with traffic congestion, infrastructure deficit, no affordable childcare, no equal access to either education or to health and I would have thought that was crystal clear."
Progressive Democrats
Mary Harney said the party was seeking a mandate for ambitious health reform. She said there could be "no going back" from the reform programme this Government has started. "The foundations for excellence have been laid. And the improvements are now coming - in A&E, cleaner hospitals, shorter waiting times, cancer care, cardiac care, GP services, and a new children's hospital."
Green Party
The party highlighted the issue of climate change which it said is still the biggest political challenge facing society.
Energy spokesman Eamon Ryan said Ireland's climate change targets could not be met without changing the transport system and he pledged that "if you get Greens you will get a decent public transport system".
"The transport system isn't working ... What we're saying is yes, we'll have a different transport system, which will cut emissions but it will also get people around quicker."
Sinn Féin
International affairs spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the party wanted to see neutrality enshrined in the Constitution and an immediate end to the use of Irish airports by US troops en route to Iraq or for illegal "extraordinary rendition" flights.
What's happening today
Fianna Fáil:Dermot Ahern, Mícheál Martin and Séamus Brennan will attend the party's final press conference. Bertie Ahern will do interviews on ireland.com, RTÉ and TV3.
Fine Gael:Enda Kenny will visit Waterford, Cork East and Limerick West.
Labour:Pat Rabbitte and Roisin Shortall will speak at the party's last press conference.
Progressive Democrats:Michael McDowell and Liz O'Donnell will host a briefing in Dundrum, Co Dublin.
Green Party:Trevor Sargent will lead the Greens' last press conference.
Sinn Féin:The party will hold its final press conference of the general election campaign and Gerry Adams will outline his expectations for the party on May 24th and post-election options.