There were heated exchanges between party leaders on the RTÉ Upfront with Katie Hannon debate last night.
Ten political party leaders took part in the first televised debate of the General Election campaign.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of acting as if they had an entitlement to power.
The three candidates who stand the best chance of becoming Taoiseach were the dominant figures in the debate.
In what appeared to be a very well-aligned stance, both Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin rejected Sinn Féin's criticism of the party's place in Government at different times for more than a century.
The Fianna Fáil leader accused Sinn Féin of being against the State for most of this period.
There were also clashes among the leaders over policies on housing, climate and public spending.
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People Before Profit-Solidarity's Richard Boyd Barrett said to journalists as he left the studio: "I think it went well. I think we saw a lot of promises coming from the government parties. And you're wondering, why didn't they do these things over the last few years?"
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibin said he objected to an accusation, during the debate, that his party had scapegoated migrants.
"I think that type of language is intellectually lazy, because we actually have to discuss the issues and the issue simply is about sustainability and manageability in relation to this.
"We believe that many migrants are here working, making a fantastic contribution to the country, and we also believe that it's really important that we provide safe harbour for those who need it," he added.
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said she wanted to approach any government formation talks after the election in partnership with other left wing parties. "Once the people have spoken and the election is over, I will speak with other leaders of other parties who share our vision and our values for an active, interventionist state.
"But clearly, between now and 29 November, my absolute priority is delivering more Labour TDs," she added.
Social Democrats' deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan also said they would speak to all the parties after the election.
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman shrugged off attacks on his party by others, including coalition partner Micheál Martin.
"When parties are critical of you, it is because you know your policies are making a difference," he said.
"We have made that difference. We have delivered in government every day over the last four-and-a-half years," Mr O'Gorman added.
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins accused some of the other leaders of not being honest with voters.
"The parties inside there were misleading the people in relation to building houses here, some are saying 30,000. It is not achievable infrastructure. We have an infrastructural disaster in this country."
Ms McDonald and Right To Change Leader Joan Collins left without talking to journalists.
It comes as Sinn Féin will publish its election manifesto in Dublin later this morning.
Afterwards Ms McDonald will be canvassing in a number of Dublin constituencies.
Last night's debate went on for over two hours, finishing after the scheduled 11.30pm finish time.
Additional reporting Tommy Meskill, Colman O'Sullivan
