Kenny says he has no problem debating Opposition leaders

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted he has no problem debating the leaders of the main Opposition parties.

Mr Kenny claimed he was unaware he was invited to appear on the national broadcaster for the first appearance of the general election campaign.

The Fine Gael leader has been criticised for being the only party leader not to participate in the RTÉ's Six One programme on Wednesday and was represented by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar.

Mr Kenny said: “I didn’t know I was invited to it. Obviously I haven’t access to all of the diaries here, I have a lot of interviews to do over the next period and I will participate in the debates that take place, why wouldn’t I?

"So I am sorry that RTÉ were upset about that, you will see enough of me, maybe too much over the next couple of weeks, believe me."

Fianna Fáil had sought an assurance from RTÉ that Mr Kenny would participate in a live TV debate after his non-appearance on the Six One programme.

Two debates are planned during the general election campaign – one for the seven leaders and one for the four leaders of the main political parties.

General secretary of Fianna Fáil Seán Dorgan wrote to RTÉ: “There is an urgent matter which we require clarification on. “As was seen yesterday Fine Gael appears committed to a strategy of trying to limit the Taoiseach’s exposure to debate.

"His unprecedented decision not to attend the Six One news interview appears to be the start of a selective approach to public appearances."

Pick and choose

Mr Dorgan said Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was prepared to fully participate but objected to the idea that parties could pick and choose what they wanted to do.

“Specifically, it is completely unacceptable that there be a repeat of yesterday’s situation,” said Mr Dorgan.

“If any party seeks to engineer a situation where their leader is replaced by someone else in these debates it will not be acceptable to us. In that instance, we reserve our position.

“We would like your assurance that you will not entertain any attempt by a party to switch its representation in either of your proposed debates.”

In response director of news and current affairs of RTÉ Kevin Bakhurst assured the party the invitation to leaders is clear and no replacement will be welcome.

Speaking on the campaign trail Thursday, Mr Kenny said he was eager to debate the two potential holders of his office in Mr Martin and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.

He said he was eager to participate and debate the two leaders who “have the gall to come along and say we have great plans, yet they opposed every growth and policy position over the past five years”.

Mr Kenny added: “So I would be very happy, believe me, to go along and explain that to both potential suitors in what they are trying to do here with and alternative government.”