Bruton says debate talk 'a sideshow'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s decision not to partake in any televised debate during the referendum campaign has been defended by Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr Bruton rejected the suggestion that Mr Kenny had declined live debates because of fears that a mistake or gaffe might have an adverse effect on the Yes campaign.

Reminded by a reporter of his own gaffe about a second referendum during a Today FM debate last week, Mr Bruton described the controversy over a televised debate as a “political sideshow”.

“The reality is that twice every week for the past six weeks, the Taoiseach has been answering questions [in the Dáil] from those sources [Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams] about the treaty,” he said.

“This is not about giving a platform to other political parties who want to dance on the stage,” he said.

Mr Bruton said Mr Kenny had been tirelessly travelling up and down the country meeting the electorate to put the case for voting Yes in the referendum.

Mr Bruton was speaking after a lunch for the Taoiseach hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Kenny himself declined to be interviewed before or after the lunch. But asked a question by a reporter about the latest opinion poll results, he said he did not respond to opinion polls and paid heed only to the results of the actual poll itself.

Mr Bruton said he had been in the boardrooms of 120 US companies and what had persuaded them to invest in Ireland was to see a Government that was creating the right conditions for employment and also bringing stability and confidence back to the country.

“This referendum gives another opportunity for Irish people to underline that message of stability,” he said.