Fianna Fáil has announced that it will scrap stamp duty for first-time buyers if it is returned to power after the upcoming election.
Launching its manifesto today, the party also promised to increase the ceiling for mortgage interest relief.
Fianna Fáil had previously criticised other parties for promising to abolish stamp duty and its decision to jump on the bandwagon has been described as a "desperate U-turn" by the opposition.
However, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern rejected the criticism today, saying his party had always wanted to help first-time buyers while also maintaining stability in the housing market.