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Sinn Féin launches campaign as parties turns to jobs and health

With under three weeks to go ’til polling, parties focus on HSE and job creation as they campaign today.

AS THE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS roll on today for most of the parties, Sinn Féin officially kicks off its campaign later in Dublin.

Fine Gael will outline its plans to abolish the HSE this afternoon from Dr Steeven’s Hospital in Dublin, while Fianna Fáil and Labour will be focusing on jobs today.

Micheál Martin will announce his party’s plan to promote agri-food sector employment in Douglas, Co Cork, today.

Later this morning, Labour will release its plan for a “strategic investment bank”.

Sinn Féin leader and Louth candidate Gerry Adams will officially launch his party’s election campaign today at the National Gallery in Dublin.

Meanwhile, next week’s leadership debate still looks unlikely to feature Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, despite TV3′s offer to switch presenters. The broadcaster has suggested its political correspondent Ursula Halligan will present the debate, and Vincent Browne would present a post-debate section.

Kenny said last week he would not take part in any programme involving Browne, following comments the presenter made about Kenny and which Kenny found offensive. TV3 has said Browne apologised and the station believed that apology had been accepted by Fine Gael.

Another three-way debate is in the works, but with RTÉ, and a five-way debate between the leaders of all the Dáil parties is expected to take place in the middle of February.