Last night’s debate saw Labour play right into Fianna Fail’s hands. From the moment Michael Martin said that he had proposed the debate and thanked Eamon Gilmore for accepting the invitation, it was game, set and match for the Fianna Fail leader. I hope Labour learn the lesson of playing the game by Fianna Fail’s rules.
Away from that sideshow, I am impressed with the level of engagement of all parties on issues like public service reform, health and energy. The last couple of days have seen a marked increase in the quality of policy discussions, following a week of media obsession with process stories and soundbites. Long may it continue.
Fine Gael is launching its manifesto tomorrow. I am looking forward to explaining it to the people of Dublin Central- and helping to implement it on their behalf in the years to come