Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald to take part in RTÉ debate

Mary-Lou McDonald succeeded Gerry Adams as Sinn Féin president in 2018

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will take part in Irish broadcaster RTÉ's leaders' election debate.

The debate was originally between Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Sinn Féin had asked to be included in the debate.

With days to go to the general election in the Republic of Ireland, a Sunday Business Post/Red C poll put Sinn Féin joint top, level with Fianna Fáil.

In a statement, RTÉ said it was "mindful it has a duty to the public to reflect events as they unfold".

Leo Varadkar is the current Taoiseach (Irish prime minister)

A spokesperson said: "During the course of the campaign and over recent days RTÉ has taken into consideration the notable change in the dynamic of the campaign on the ground, and representation and statements by political parties.

"The dynamic has also been consistently reflected in all opinion polls since the campaign commenced.

"We now consider it necessary to amend our original approach, respond to the changes in the campaign, and continue to put the audience first in the making of Tuesday night's programme," said the statement."

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Leo Varadkar is fighting to win a third successive term in government for his party, Fine Gael.

Mr Varadkar welcomed the decision to include Ms McDonald in the debate.

Speaking to RTÉ News in Limerick on Monday evening, the Fine Gael leader said it would provide an opportunity to "scrutinise the party's policies".

He is being challenged by the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin.

Sinn Féin, led by Mary Lou McDonald, goes into the election as the third largest party.

RTÉ's Prime Time debate will take place on Tuesday 4 February and the election is scheduled for Saturday 8 February.

However, the vote has been postponed in one constituency due to the sudden death of one of the candidates.

Tipperary election candidate Marese Skehan died suddenly at home

Marese Skehan, who was standing as an independent candidate in the Tipperary constituency, was found dead at her home in Thurles.

RTÉ said it understood that her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Under Irish election rules which cover procedures in the event of a death of candidate, the Tipperary poll cannot now go ahead on Saturday and will have to be rescheduled at a later date.