Cork TD to take part in TV party leaders debate

CORK North Central incumbent Mick Barry has been selected as the Solidarity-People Before Profit representative for the second televised Leaders Debate on Virgin Media this week.

The debate, which takes place on Thursday night, will be moderated by Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates.

Richard Boyd Barrett represented the grouping on last night’s RTÉ debate.

Thursday will see the only Cork North Central TD elected in 2016 seeking re-election go head to head with party leaders, including Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Mary Lou McDonald.

Deputy Barry said this morning: “The first Leaders Debate between Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin was as dull as dishwater because they pretty much agree on all the main issues anyway.

“Last night’s debate was more lively in large measure because Richard Boyd Barrett raised the real issues and didn’t pull his punches. I am looking forward to doing something similar this Thursday night.”