Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams had a brief exchange on the campaign trail in Sligo.

On his way into an interview with Ocean FM, Mr Kenny and Mr Adams exchanged pleasantries.

Taoiseach meets Gerry Adams in Sligo. Brief exchange of pleasantries follows... #GE16 pic.twitter.com/FzO4ytjHbH — Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) February 10, 2016

The Sinn Féin leader had completed an interview on the same station a short time earlier.

The Taoiseach called Mr Adams over and the pair shook hands and conversed as gaeilge.

Mr Kenny told Sinn Féin supporters they were competing against a very strong Fine Gael team in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency.

In turn, the Taoiseach was assured that Sinn Féin had a strong team in the area as well.

The brief discussion ended with both leaders wishing each other well during the campaign.

In his radio interview, the Sinn Féin leader would not be drawn on whether he would lead the party after the next election.

Speaking on Ocean FM, Mr Adams said "let's deal with that" before trailing off.

He said he is a "team player" and part of a "collective leadership" and that he serves the party in whatever capacities they decide.

Mr Adams also said that it is ironic that Sinn Féin is "rooting for the democratic process and being railed against by other parties".

He rejected assertions that the party is soft on crime saying that he has "stood with communities against criminal activity".

Mr Kenny began his interview on the local station by defending the Government's health policy and stressing his party's economic plans for the next five years.

At the launch of his party's "Supporting Older People" policy, the Taoiseach said he wanted to see a country where people could maintain their independence and grow older with dignity.

Taoiseach hoping to bowl over older voters with launch of FG plan in Sligo this morning #GE16 pic.twitter.com/rxpQUixMR9 — Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) February 10, 2016

He conceded that many people had seen a drop in their living standards but said the Government was determined to improve the situation during the lifetime of the next administration.

Fine Gael says it will increase contributory and non contributory pensions and says that a total of €790m has been ring fenced in its financial projections for this purpose.

The party says this is the biggest funding commitment it is making apart from the proposal to abolish the USC.

Mr Adams had taken to Twitter earlier accusing the Taoiseach of playing "hide and seek" for leaving his local supporters waiting on the steps of the hotel in which Mr Adams was staying.

Mr Kenny waited for the Sinn Féin leader to depart before he arrived for a function there.

Come out. Come out. Wherever U r. — Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) February 10, 2016