What they said . . .
On Ireland's future . . .
Enda Kenny
"You can vote for change and a better Ireland, or you can continue with a tired government that breaks its word. I stand by my word. That is why during this campaign I have presented my solemn contract for a better Ireland which lays out my specific plans: health services which work, safer streets, a government which spends your money wisely."
Bertie Ahern
"Peace and prosperity are no longer a dream. They are a reality . . . I understand that we have not solved every problem in these past 10 years, but I believe that the best way ahead was to build on our progress, not turn our back on it."
On the controversy over the Taoiseach's personal finances . . .
EK"It's not for me to cast judgment on any man or anybody . . . I am not adjudicating on the integrity of Bertie Ahern . . . We have set out a formal tribunal to ascertain facts."
BA"Michael Wall didn't give me 30,000. Thirty thousand was put into the account to be administered for him for a house that he owned. So that money was not for me . . . I hope that a person is entitled to put money into an bank account [ that] is administered for them."
On the health service . . .
EK"This is the big failure of this Government. What we need are health services that work. Now in the last 10 years we spent 100 billion of public money, we've had three ministers for health.
And the place, despite the magnificent work of doctors and nurses, is in a shambles. And the Taoiseach says that people should congratulate him."
BA"I don't accept that the health service is in crisis. I accept that there are some parts of the health service where we still have not overcome the difficulties. But look at the facts of the situation, I mean, it's not just a question of spending money . . .
On their leadership skills . . .
EK"No politician in this country has ever set his or her head on the block in the way I have. You might say it's madness. You might say it's courage. But no person in the last two administrations has been moved sideways, or sacked for gross incompetence."
BA"I said I'd stay active in politics until I was 60 and that's a long way away . . . we've changed this country for the better, our people are working, they're not emigrating, we're investing in the future of the country and my energy levels are as strong as they ever were.