Micheál Martin has accused Taoiseach Enda Kenny of warning the public to 'vote for him or the world will collapse.'

The Fianna Fáil leader also said the Government is planning "the most negative re-election campaign" in the history of the State.

Micheál Martin made the claim in a speech at this afternoon's Sean Lemass commemoration at Deans Grange Cemetery in Dublin.

Mr Martin accused the coalition of attacking their opponents rather than the problems facing the country:

He claimed "the one and only thing" the Government thinks about is re-election.

"The stability they offer is more of the same," Mr Martin said. "More of the never-ending stream of crises and scandals, of social problems ignored and growing divisions. A government elected because it opposed the measures which turned around the economy now says no one else can be trusted.

"I cannot imagine any of the great leaders of different parties who have served our country over the years running such a negative, arrogant and empty campaign," he added.

He went on to say his party will offer 'a realistic programme' and 'will be more responsible than any other party'.