RT\u00c9 has indicated that it could include Sinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald in a televised debate, days before the electorate go to the polls.<\/p>\n
Fianna F\u00e1il leader Miche\u00e1l Martin and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar are set to go head-to-head on Prime Time on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The line-up has been criticized by Sinn F\u00e9in, which says that its party leader should also be allowed to take part in the final televised debate.<\/p>\n
After Sinn F\u00e9in saw a surge in its support in the latest opinion poll, the party has formally requested that Ms McDonald be permitted to participate.<\/p>\n
According to the latest Sunday Business Post\/Red C poll, Sinn F\u00e9in is on 24%, up 3% on last week.<\/p>\n
The poll shows that Fianna Fail is down two points to 24%, while Fine Gael is down two points to 21%.<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9 issued a statement on Sunday saying it will listen to suggestions regarding its election coverage.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the outset of the election RT\u00c9 set out its approach to leaders\u2019 debates based on empirical data,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat has not changed. Throughout the campaign RT\u00c9 has considered representations made by those contesting the election regarding our coverage and leaders\u2019 debates.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue to give consideration to any representation made,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s finance spokesman Pearse Doherty made the formal request to RT\u00c9, claiming the recent polls prove that the criteria used to exclude her were \u201credundant\u201d.<\/p>\n
RT\u00c9 told Sinn F\u00e9in it would consider what he had to say on Monday.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said he had never had an objection to Ms McDonald\u2019s participation in the debate.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the media in Athlone, he said: \u201cI think it would be useful to take such an opportunity to scrutinize Sinn F\u00e9in policies a bit more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never had any objection to including Mary Lou McDonald in the debate and I\u2019ve made that clear from the very start.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a matter for the broadcasters so it is their decision to make.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, and I\u2019ll say again, I have no objection to Mary Lou McDonald taking part in the debate and that\u2019s a matter for the broadcasters.\u201d<\/p>\n