The leader of Fianna Fáil has cancelled a pre election speech tonight out of respect to the victims of the Carrickmines tragedy.

Micheál Martin was due to tell Fine Gael and Labour to stop bickering over a polling date - saying his party's ready for the vote - whenever it may take place.

In a planned address to the Fianna Fáil faithful at a fundraising dinner in Dublin tonight Mr Martin's also again challenged Enda Kenny to a debate, saying it could take place at a Fine Gael meeting in Mayo.

Mr Martin even went as far as suggesting Fine Gael Junior Minister Michael Ring could moderate the contest.