Election 2024: Six things we learned from the campaign trail today
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The Fine Gael party was out early for the launch of its housing plans. But as Taoiseach Simon Harris began to answer questions from reporters, a placard at the front of his podium brandishing the slogan 'a new energy', became unstuck and fell to the floor.
Not the type of energy the party leader was hoping for.
Fianna Fáil wants to decriminalise drug possession for personal use as part of a health-led response to addiction.
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Among the promises in its 195-page election manifesto document is a plan to introduce legislation to require those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use to attend educational or treatment programmes.
Micheál Martin said “decriminalisation is an important step” as it reflects the understanding that the most effective way to deal with the issue is not through the justice system.
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch touched down in Dublin Airport and confirmed that he will be standing in the general election in the Dublin Central constituency.
Asked whose Dáil seat is most at risk with him running, Mr Hutch said: "Any seat will do me, I'm not pushed."
There were fits of laughter as Sinn Féin settled onto a bank of risers to show off the party's 71 candidates at an event in Dublin. But the height of Sinn Féin deputy leader Pearse Doherty was such that he was forced off the podium and onto the grass. On lower ground he ended up at the same height as party leader Mary Lou McDonald.
At the event, the party pledged to introduce a mini-budget within the first 100 days of Government to abolish Universal Social Charge (USC) for anyone earning €45,000 or less.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said Michael O’Leary will have no further involvement in the Fine Gael election campaign.
It comes as the Ryanair boss said at an election event at the weekend, where he endorsed Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD Peter Burke, that teachers should not lead the country.
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman has claimed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are working to "marginalise" his party in a bid to keep them out of government next time around.
"We’ve been strong in this government, we’ve pushed through our key policy areas and my sense is that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael maybe don’t want a coalition partner that is as robust, that is as determined and that is as focused on getting through its key manifesto goals and I think that’s why there does seem to be a push to marginalise us,” Mr O'Gorman said.