Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams says this election represents the first time that people have a real alternative.

Mr Adams was speaking ahead of the first General Election debate which airs on Newstalk and TV3 tonight.

The broadcast will see the leaders of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny, Micheál Martin, Joan Burton and Gerry Adams face a 90 minute grilling from Pat Kenny and Colette Fitzpatrick on Newstalk and TV3 at 9pm tonight.

Mr Adams says he hopes to dislodge the established political elites.

"It's an important debate, this is an election which, for the first time, certainly in my lifetime, there is a viable alternative to these old parties and their old ways.

"The golden circle and the elites, you know, they've all had their chance."