FG insists Harris did not receive invitation for debate

Fine Gael has insisted that it did not receive an invitation for its party leader Simon Harris to take part in a three-way leaders debate with Sky News and Today FM ahead of the General Election.

It follows accusations on social media from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald that Mr Harris refused to take part in the debate.

In a social media post Ms McDonald had said that the party's leader is "hiding from answering for Fine Gael's disastrous performance in Government".

A spokesperson for Fine Gael said the party has not received an invite to take part in the Sky News and Today FM debate but that Mr Harris looked forward to the scheduled debates with other party leaders.

"Fine Gael did not receive an invitation from Sky News for a debate. The Taoiseach looks forward to debating Mary Lou McDonald and other leaders on Monday and the following Tuesday."

It is understood that Fianna Fáil had agreed in principle to take part in the debate.

Sky News has been approached for comment.

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The host of The Last Word on Today FM, Matt Cooper, posted on the social media platform X to say that a proposal was put forward for a "simulcast radio and tv debate next Friday".

Matt Cooper said that he remains hopeful "that Simon Harris might be able to find time in his schedule".