The co-leader of the Social Democrats, Roisin Shortall, refused to be drawn on who her party would enter into government with after the general election.
She said she is indifferent as to who would lead a coalition: Leo Varadkar or Micheál Martin.
The party is running 20 candidates across various constituencies.
It is basing its campaign on four priorities: to guarantee the right to flexible work options, a home insulation grant, a timetable for Slaintecare implementation as well as affordable housing and public transport provisions.
In the first in a series of party leader interviews, Ivan Yates spoke to Ms Shortall about her campaign.
She said they want to guarantee the right of flexible work options: "A lot of families are really under pressure - they're struggling, they're trying to juggle minding children, looking after elderly relatives, possibly a person with a disability within the family.
"And really I think there's a lot of people saying 'why are on this treadmill - are we just living to work'?"
"People shouldn't be under that kind of pressure; it should be possible to have your caring responsibilities, deal with those, hold down a job and actually have a bit of a life".
She said the party would look at introducing a four day week and a three day weekend, like that of Sweden.
"That four day week idea is something we need to discuss, consider an introduction on a trial basis".
On the insulation grant, she said: "The green agenda has to be front and centre for everybody... people accept the responsibility and the need for them to change their behaviour.
"That's fine, if they can afford to do it".
"Yes we need to be greener, but we need to be fairer as well.
"It is not acceptable to pursue a green agenda that actually impoverishes people".
She said by insulating homes, people could save on energy use.
"There is a grant system at the moment, but the problem is you must have significant upfront funding first.
"What we're saying is there should be a pay-as-you-save scheme introduced".
Speaking about the Labour Party, she said: "There are a lot of similarities in the two party manifestos, but I'd have to say that the Labour Party had an opportunity to implement their policies in government, and that didn't happen unfortunately".
Asked about who the Social Democrats may go into government with, she said: "It's a bit demoralising really that we're kind of back in a situation where we're talking about two big beasts and the face-off between Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin".
Ms Shortall also said that the political parties on the left would need to come closer together, but not in time for this election.
"I think in the longer term - not in this election but I think in the next election - there will be a move towards the unifying of the left".
"It is fragmented... and we need to start working more closely together".
