Fianna Fáil Leader Calls For Treaty Debate

Calling it the fairest way to resolve any issues of lack of media balance in the fiscal treaty referendum campaign, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called for a leaders debate.

Mr Martin said it was even more important that "we should have confidence in our position to go out there and debate our position".

Calling on Taoiseach Enda Kenny during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, Mr Martin said he does not understand the reluctance to participate in a leaders' debate.

The Fianna Fáil leader said he understands that the Taoiseach has been invited to do an interview after Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adam's speech at the Ard Fheis to counterbalance it.

The Taoiseach said he had no difficulty at all in discussing the fiscal treaty, and he did get an invitation from RTÉ to do a broadcast on Sunday following the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis.

However, Mr Kenny said he is not aware of an invitation to a leaders' debate. He said the referendum is a matter for the people to decide, and "not to give profiles to politicians".

(H)