LAST UPDATE | 16 Nov

THE SECOND WEEKEND of the election campaign has gotten underway — here’s what has happened so far and what is still to come:

• Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman said a party TD made a ‘legitimate’ objection to over 300 houses near his home, as the plans were in “breach” of the local area layout.
• Nominations to run in the general election have now officially closed
• Fine Gael will launch its manifesto tomorrow, with some big spending promises being made, such as abolishing the means tests for carers.
• Micheál Martin and Simon Harris met each other on the campaign trail this afternoon, shaking hands and sharing a few words in Killorglin, Co Kerry.
• Labour is also unveiling its manifesto on Sunday.
• Our reporter was out in Dublin North-West to gauge the political temperature. This constituency saw the biggest swing to Sinn Féin in 2020, but voter sentiment may have changed. 
• On Friday, former Wexford TD and Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace announced he will be contesting the upcoming general election. 
• Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael both pledged to get tough on crime on Friday, but the two parties have some differing ideas on how to do so. 
• Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee confirmed she will push ahead with reform of alcohol licensing, including late-night closing times for some pubs and nightclubs.
• Fianna Fáil meanwhile will launch its policy to support older people later today.
• Sinn Féin will also be out this morning to persuade parents of new-born children that they “would be better off under a Sinn Féin government”.
• Tomorrow, the Social Democrats meanwhile will launch their education policy.