Micheal Lehane

Sinn Féin will publish plans later today to establish a new immigration management agency that would oversee the processing of applications and accommodation for people seeking International Protection here.

It was the writer Robert Harris who reminded everyone recently that an election is a living thing that wriggles in ways no one can predict.

There may have been ten political leaders in this debate, but it was dominated by the three candidates with the greatest chance of becoming Taoiseach.

There were heated exchanges between party leaders on the RTÉ Upfront with Katie Hannon debate last night.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that people do not feel better off compared to five years ago, and pledged changes to a number of areas such as housing, healthcare and the cost of living.

Campaigning is continuing in the general election today with parties highlighting policies on issues ranging from rural affairs to health and social care.

The Government has been warned that this is an especially challenging time for global peace and economic security, with potentially serious consequences for Ireland, including economically.

Irish workers living overseas who return home to take up jobs would get an initial €5,000 grant and a tax break of €10,000 if they stay in the job for several years, under a proposal by Aontú.

Independent Ireland General Election candidate Philip Sutcliffe has resigned from the party.

Simon Harris' awkward encounter with disability worker, Charlotte Fallon, in Kanturk, Co Cork, on Friday night could be one of those defining moments in this election campaign.