Fine Gael Presidential Election candidate Heather Humphreys has defended her record on the issue of disability.
Speaking on the Big Interview with Colette Fitzpatrick on Virgin Media One the Fine Gael presidential candidate said her Green Paper on disability benefits was a consultation.
She said: "I did not defend any of the proposals - it was purely for discussion purposes, it was for no other reason than to have a conversation."
She said when people objected to the Green Paper, she withdrew it.
"What I said to my officials, is this is not working, back to the drawing board."
She said she was sorry that the family of Shane O'Farrell felt she had not done enough for them.
She said she had never been at a fox hunt or hare coursing: "But these are rural pursuits and there are rules and regulations around these events and once they are complied with, I support them."
She added that she did keep her promise to refresh her Irish and went to the Gaeltacht for a week but - "my problem is confidence".
Asked to say something positive about Catherine Connolly she said: "Well I think Catherine Connolly is a woman of conviction and you know I admire people who believe in themselves, they believe in what they want to do."
Ms Humphreys added that she and her family had received abuse on social media because of her running for presidency: "I've never seen the like of it before, the amount of sectarian abuse that has been out there in terms of about my religion and my traditions and where I come from."
Meanwhile, Ms Connolly dismissed suggestions from Fine Gael that she is anti-European.
Earlier, the Tánaiste Simon Harris criticised Ms Connolly for her record of voting against EU treaties in referenda.
Responding this afternoon, Ms Connolly said: "Being constructively critical of Europe is not anti Europe. It's actually pro-European. It actually goes back to its foundation as a peace process.
"I've articulated over and over again that I'm seriously concerned about the direction that Europe is going, in terms of increased militarisation."
Speaking as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg earlier, Mr Harris said: "It's very hard to see how any candidate can say that they're pro-European or in favour of Europe and yet vote against every single European treaty.
"That's not the definition of pro-European. So I'm hoping this week, when people go out and vote for the president of Ireland, that they will vote to reflect our values."
He said Ireland was "proudly" at the heart of the European Union, and would be hosting the rotating presidency of the EU next year.
Mr Harris said it was a narrower ballot than people expected.
"But ultimately, there is a binary choice on the ballot on Friday, and I think in the hours and days ahead, when people look at the two candidates, I'd ask them to ask themselves the question, who is the candidate most closely aligned with my worldview?
"Who is the candidate most closely aligned with my values? Who is the candidate that will be the safest bet in terms of representing Ireland with pride and distinction at home and abroad and will never let our country down? And indeed, who is the candidate that is pro Europe? Because at a time where European unity is so important. I want Ireland to very clearly vote in that direction."
Electorate has choice between 'two propositions' - McDonald
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that the electorate had a choice next Friday between "two propositions".
Speaking in Stormont earlier, Ms McDonald said that one is Ms Connolly who is about maintaining neutrality, championing human rights democracy for peace, and being a voice in the Áras for young people, citizens with a disability and Irish unification over the next seven years.
She said it is "that proposition or alternatively a candidate who is essentialy an echo chamber for Government".
She they need to keep the campaign momentum going strongly, encourage people to come out and cast their vote and confound the prediction that turnout will be low.
Ms McDonald said: "I hope people realise and appreciate the value and strength of the position of Uachtarán na hÉireann … that it can be a force and a voice for progress for unity and for advancement for the whole island. I would not be saying that anybody has anything in the bag at this point in time."
She said the campaign has been brilliant and unique in a number of respects, adding: "Not least the fact that in a cross party way, we have come out with others to back the candidacy of Catherine.
"The unity of purpose between ourselves and the combined opposition said to people we can come together and work in common cause."
Campaign continues
Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said that it is not correct or fair to criticise lawyers because of the actions of their clients.
His comments come after Fine Gael hit out at Ms Connolly's work as a barrister a number of years ago, including in home repossession cases.
Campaigning is continuing in the Presidential Election, with Ms Connolly and Ms Humphreys seeking to win over public support before this Friday's vote.
Additional reporting Eleanor Burnhill, Joe Mag Raollaigh, Tony Connelly
