Irish voters look set to punish austerity coalition as Sinn Fein lurks in wings

Ireland’s four main party leaders have taken part in their last televised debate ahead of Friday’s General Election. Taoiseach Enda Kenny hopes to become the first leader of an austerity government in the Eurozone to win a second term. But he may be looking for new coalition partners if voters punish the co-ruling Labour Party for the cuts imposed. With polls predicting no outright winner, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams could attempt to form the next government.

I have never tried to hide my association with the IRA. The IRA is now history.  It’s now gone. We’re living in a new era.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams

The debate, chaired by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, and also featuring Tánaiste Joan Burton and Fianna Fáil’s Michéal Martin, did not feature any major slip ups either. Mr Kenny has ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Some predict a coalition with Fianna Fail, another centre-right party. But independent candidates could hold the key.  Polls suggest they will be called on to help form the next Irish government.

In 2008, we had 16,000 millionaires in Ireland. To date we have 91,000 millionaires so who’s getting the recovery? It’s not the ordinary citizen.

Maeve Curtis, 60, from Dundalk

Ireland election