First presidential election television debate to take place on Monday

Eva Osborne

The first presidential election television debate will take place on Monday night, with the three confirmed candidates invited to appear.

The Tonight Show debate, which will be the first of the campaign, will be hosted by Kieran Cuddihy on Monday at 10pm on Virgin Media One.

The three presidential election candidates are left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, who is backed by Sinn Féin and other opposition parties, Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.

As well as taking part in the debate, Connolly, Gavin, and Humphreys will also sit down with Virgin Media News’ presenter Colette Fitzpatrick for an in-depth 30-minute 'Big Interview'.

Jim Gavin will be the first candidate to appear on the Big Interview on Monday, October 6th.

This will be followed by Catherine Connolly on Monday, October 13th, and Heather Humphreys on Monday, October 20th.