War Of Words Between Fine Gael And Fianna Fáil On Day Eight Of The Election Campaign

It's day eight of the election campaign, with housing, health and free public transport being featured

Housing, health and free public transport have featured as the political parties continue their push to win votes on day eight of the election campaign.

Fine Gael deputy leader and Justice Minister Helen McEntee launched the party's justice plan.

The plan includes include the funding of 6,000 gardaí recruits, the opening of a second Garda training college, the roll-out of body worn cameras to all gardai on the beat and the extended use of facial recognition technology.

Fianna Fáil launched its plans to tackle crime this morning - saying it believes 'a new energy' is needed for the Justice portfolio.

The party is facing claims it back-tracked on a manifesto promise to decriminalise drugs for personal use - now stating it's only referring to cannabis.

A fresh war of words has broken out between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, over justice issues.

It's after TD, Jim O'Callaghan, accused the Justice Minister, of stealing Fianna Fáil proposals in Government.

In response, McEntee, said women could understand men taking credit for their ideas.

Meanwhile Sinn Féin is focusing on proposals for a 9% VAT rate for hospitality businesses, excluding hotels.

On the campaign so far, the party leader Mary Lou McDonald said that she was "in it to win in" and that if a week was a long time in politics, two weeks is an "eternity".

Labour says it will extend free GP care to all under 18-year-olds, if elected to Government.

The party is pledging to invest in primary and community care, in order to relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments.

It's also promising to lift the recruitment embargo, and guarantee jobs for all health graduates.

The Social Democrats launched their housing policy, which pledges to put availability and affordability centre stage.

The policy outlines that if in government, the party would oversee the building of 303,000 new homes between 2026 and 2030. This includes a commitment to deliver an average of 29,000 affordable rental, affordable purchase, and social homes every year.

People Before Profit is pledging to increase wages for transport workers.

As part of the party's transport policy, it's planning to bring private bus services into public control, rapidly increase bus routes, and introduce shuttle services in local towns and villages.

These measures would be accompanied by the party’s key proposal, which is to make all public transport free of charge.

There has also been a new entry into the election race, as former TD and MEP, Mick Wallace, announced that he will stand in the general election in the Wexford constituency.

He was first elected to the Dail in 2011, topping the poll at the time, and retained his seat in 2016.

He then took a position in the European Parliament, before losing his seat this year.