The Latest Breaking News from Fine Gael

Mr Harris made the remarks after Ms McDonald had heavily criticised Fine Gael’s handling of the justice portfolio.

The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign.

Fine Gael had looked sure of victory on Friday before leader’s disastrous interaction with care worker

Ms McDonald canvassed in Dublin South Central ahead of Tuesday’s potentially crucial final leaders’ TV debate.

The first leaders’ debate of Ireland’s current election campaign featured no fewer than ten party leaders. While this format was perhaps a questionable editorial choice, it was also simply a reflection of the now very diffuse – and quite messy – character of Ireland’s political system.

Labour could be left reeling by result after Simon Harris’s party slumps in polls following gaffe compared to Gordon Brown’s 2010 ‘bigoted woman’ comments

Housing spokesman Eoin O Brien said homelessness had risen by 380% since 2011.

The Taoiseach said he hoped voters would not judge him on the basis of a criticised encounter with a disability care worker in Co Cork.

The Fine Gael leader said it is his and his party’s aspiration for there to be a united Ireland, but it is not a priority for him.

Fine Gael is seeking an unprecedented fourth successive term in office and could well achieve it on 29 November

Mary Lou McDonald has insisted the manifesto pledge did not amount to political interference in the media.