Three presidential candidates face off in first TV debate in race for Áras
The first televised debate of the presidential campaign was shown on Virgin Media One on Monday night, hosted by Kieran Cuddihy and featuring 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 three candidates. It was followed by questions on neutrality before moving on to the issue of the Irish flags being erected in certain communities. That led to a debate about immigration.
The topic raised the first real clash on the topic of direct provision and asylum seekers. Gavin welcomed immigration but said there was a need for a “robust but fair immigration system”. Connolly is strongly critical of the direct provision process and when asked of those who are not asylum seekers or have had their claims rejected she said: "We are talking about human beings and about a conflation of issues."
The debate then moved onto the safety on the streets of Dublin and our towns, with Humphreys asserting that there are more gardaí on the streets, but Connolly saying theire is a lack of Garda presence on the ground, particularly community gardaí.
There were also strong exchanges on Gaza between Connolly and Gavin, before the debate moved to the tricky topic of housing. Connolly was adamant the Government has failed miserably. Humphreys defended the Government performance to date, accepting that ambitious goals were not achieved, but saying the solution is very complex.
A potential United Ireland was discussed, with all three candidates outlining their experiences with communities in the North. Humphreys spoke of her experience as a "proud Ulsterwoman and Republican".
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 Humpheys 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."
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 on Prime Time and The Week in Politics.
The election takes place on Friday, October 24th, with counting beginning the following day.
