Simon Harris and Mary Lou McDonald sent in a spin by jiving shopkeeper

The election campaign was in full swing on Monday as Simon Harris and Mary Lou McDonald were challenged to a jive while canvassing in Monaghan town.

Both party leaders danced with TikToker Helen Drumm of Sound Quality Gifts shop on Monday afternoon while out appealing for votes.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Mr Harris arrived at the eclectic shop accompanied by retiring Cavan-Monaghan TD Heather Humphreys, who introduced Ms Drumm as “the TikTok queen”.

Ms Drumm told Mr Harris after a few twirls around the shop floor “you’re not bad at all” and that he has “a little bit of rhythm”.

Next on the dancefloor was Ms McDonald, who spun Ms Drumm while sharing Sinn Fein’s policy proposals on childcare and housing.

The Sinn Fein leader said: “The things I will do for a vote.”

An upbeat Ms Drumm asked the Dublin TD: “Are you going to give them everything they want?”

Ms McDonald replied, “that depends what they want, Helen”.

Sinn Fein Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy was next to partner Ms Drumm, asking: “Is there an election coming up, Helen?” while Ms McDonald told Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully, “you’re getting off light”.

The lively scenes came after controversies for both leaders – with Mr Harris answering a series of questions earlier on Monday about Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s heavily criticised comments about teachers while he endorsed Fine Gael.

Ms McDonald, having been grilled on a series of scandals that have dogged her party in recent weeks, was accused of being a “traitor” by a punter while having a coffee in Monaghan town.