The Fianna Fáil leader is warning the electorate to be on guard for what he calls an "hysterical negative backlash" from Labour and Fine Gael next week.

Micheál Martin said attempts by the Government parties to damage Fianna Fáil have backfired.

He made his remarks at a Fianna Fáil Rally in Castlebar last night.

Micheal Martin told supporters that Enda Kenny and Joan Burton will get an angry backlash next Friday: “This is a Government which is facing real anger at its record of spin and broken promises.

“And that is why people are not buying the scare campaign they launched last weekend.

“It will reach near hysteria level in the next few days, but it still won’t work”.