All seven Presidential candidates have taken part in a 90 minute live debate on TV3 tonight – with Martin McGuinness winning an online poll, taking 34% of 205,000 clicks to the station’s website.
The candidates argued about negative campaigning, and the role of the President, as well as facing tough questions about their own suitability for the role.
An open format was chosen for the debate to allow more interaction between the candidates and it certainly provided that from the outset.
Mary Davis raised reports of deliberate use of research companies for negative campaigning; Gay Mitchell again turned his attention to Martin McGuinness and questions he had for him.
Debate chairman Vincent Browne produced a series of books as he quizzed Mr McGuinness on his IRA past.
Sean Gallagher was pressed on his Fianna Fáil links and Mary Davis defended her role on various boards.
Michael D Higgins was quizzed on his past and his involvement in a Government that brought in a tax amnesty for the rich.
David Norris was pushed to explain his refusal to publish his controversial clemency letters while Dana Rosemary Scallon spoke of the importance of the Office of President and spoke over and over again about the threat to the Constitution from the EU.
The positions in studio were drawn by lots but although random, it did add to the dynamic on the set exchanges or confrontations.
Donegal was mentioned twice in the debate – both times by Mr McGuinness.
He said the new dual-carriageway from Monaghan would help link the county which was disconnected from Dublin. He also said all-Ireland initiatives such as the cancer care unit at Altnagelvin which will treat women from Donegal helped build bridges.
While Mr McGuinness won the online poll – with twice as many votes as his nearest rival – Michael D Higgins’ odds shortened to 4/9 favourite.
The unscientific online poll is below:
