The four-page leaflet promises that party members can attend "Meet the Minister and Meet the Tánaiste sessions" where they can engage with "the Progressive Democrats that pull Bertie's strings!"

Posted in Oireachtas envelopes, the leaflet includes a letter from McDowell encouraging first-time voters to join the PDs. He says the party is implementing reform policies in justice, health, environment, transport and overseas aid. "Fine Gael and Labour offer a slump coalition of change for change's sake, " McDowell writes, adding "don't leave the field entirely to others if you are not willing to accept the outcome".

The leaflet comes with the logo of the Young PDs but is being targeted at new additions to the voting register. An FF spokesperson said the party took "no offence" at the claim that the PDs pulled the Taoiseach's strings. "They have their own political activities. The Tánaiste has always been supportive of the Taoiseach."