The first televised debate of the presidential campaign was shown on Virgin Media One on Monday night. Hosted by Kieran Cuddihy, the debate featured the three candidates: Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, and Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin.
The 60-minute programme began with opening statements from the candidates. This was followed by questions on neutrality before moving on to the issue of Irish flags being erected in certain communities, which led to a broader debate about immigration.
The topic raised the first real clash concerning direct provision and asylum seekers. Gavin welcomed immigration but emphasized the need for a robust yet fair immigration system. Connolly was strongly critical of the direct provision process and, when asked about those who are not asylum seekers or whose claims have been rejected, she stated: “We are talking about human beings and about a conflation of issues.”
The debate then moved on to safety on the streets of Dublin and other towns. Humphreys asserted that there are more gardaí on the streets, while Connolly countered that there is a lack of Garda presence on the ground, particularly community gardaí.
There were also strong exchanges on the situation in Gaza between Connolly and Gavin before the discussion turned to the challenging topic of housing. Connolly was adamant that the Government has failed miserably in this area. Humphreys defended the Government’s performance to date, acknowledging that ambitious goals were not achieved but noting that the solution is very complex.
A potential United Ireland was also discussed, with all three candidates outlining their experiences with communities in the North. Humphreys spoke of her experience as a “proud Ulsterwoman and Republican.”
### Opening Statements
In the initial addresses, Catherine Connolly opened proceedings, saying:
> “As President and working together, we can shape a new United Republic, where everyone is valued, where diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right.
> A country where we raise our voice for the peaceful resolution to conflicts and war, drawing on our history of colonization, of famine and our lived experience of the successful peace process in the North.”
Heather Humphreys said:
> “I want to bring my life experience to the role of President. I worked for many years as a Credit Union manager; where I got to know people; and the challenges they faced. It was a great apprenticeship for public life.
> I was honoured to serve in Cabinet for over a decade. I led the 1916 Commemorations. I supported businesses through the pandemic; and I worked hard to ensure children across our country receive a Hot School meal.
> I’m a daughter, a mother and a grandmother. All my life I have seen the quiet strength of women.
> In my own family, in my community and right across this country, women have been the ones holding things together. I can’t promise perfection, but I will promise honesty, compassion and service.”
Jim Gavin said:
> “Over the last four decades I’ve served my country and its values in many different roles. From working in our most disadvantaged communities to leading peacekeepers in Africa, I’ve always worked to serve others.
> I’ve built teams which show how much we can achieve when we listen and when we respect each other. There’s no problem we cannot overcome when we work together.
> At a time of growing division, my commitment to you is that I will be a President for every section of society. A voice for all.”
### Campaign Activity and Upcoming Debates
Earlier today, Humphreys and Gavin were canvassing in Dublin, while it is understood that Connolly was focusing on her debate preparation.
Further presidential debates are planned to be broadcast on Prime Time and The Week in Politics.
The election takes place on Friday, October 24th, with counting beginning the following day.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/three-presidential-candidates-face-off-in-first-tv-debate-in-race-for-aras-1812756.html