The six main political parties yesterday signed a pledge not to play the race card in the general election campaign.

The Anti-Racism Protocol forbids the use of racist material or remarks by candidates and party workers and demands sensitivity in discussion of race-related issues.

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, led the public signing for Fianna Fáil. He was joined by Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan, Labour Party leader Mr Ruairi Quinn, and Mr Trevor Sargent, leader of the Green Party.

Ms Liz O'Donnell signed on behalf of the Progressive Democrats and Mr Mitchell McLaughlin on behalf of Sinn Féin.

The five-point protocol requires signatories to send a "consistent and clear" message to their constituents that they reject racism, and to condemn any campaign material or statement which could possibly incite hatred or express prejudice on grounds of race.

It also seeks to ensure that any debate on asylum-seekers, refugees or Travellers is conducted "in a reasonable way" and with respect for minority ethnic groups.

It asks the parties to ensure that their campaigners know about the protocol, and that their candidates sign up to it.

The protocol is part of the Government's three-year Know Racism public awareness programme, launched last October.

The programme is offering grants of €3,800 to political parties for the development of initiatives that tackle racism and promote cultural diversity among members.

The programme's chairman, Mr Joe McDonagh, appealed to Independent candidates to indicate their support for the principles in the protocol.

"Irresponsible and ill-informed comments by elected representatives on these issues could be very damaging and potentially dangerous," said Mr McDonagh.