Seven hit campaign trail after TV debate
The seven candidates vying for the Presidential election were preparing to return to the campaign trail today after last night's live televised debate on The Late Late Show.
During last night's broadcast all candidates made their pitch to the nation as to why they should become the next President of Ireland.
The debate, moderated by show host Ryan Turbridy, saw the candidates questioned on a variety of relevant issued including campaign funding, the salary of the President and their own political backgrounds and experience.
Senator David Norris defended his decision not to publish letters of clemency he wrote on behalf of his former lover, who was convicted of the statutory rape of a 15 year old boy.
He reiterated that the victim's welfare would be at stake if he were to make these letters public.
Dana Rosemary Scallon said it was better to burn the bond holders rather than the constitution.
Sean Gallagher said he embraced his Fianna Fáil past but insisted he was not a member of the party now.
Asked if he thought people weren't warming to him, Gay Mitchell said he was paying little heed to opinion polls.
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said he would be pleased to meet with the British Queen if she visited here.
While Labour's Michael D Higgins said he was not an establishment candidate and said he had the support of many others outside of his party.
And Mary Davis defended her independence saying she had no allegiances with any political parties despite sitting on many state boards while Fianna Fáil were in power.
Host Tubridy says he wanted to give the TV audience an insight into the candidates.
“We got the first look at the candidates in a live television scenario,” he said.
“I think a lot of people… wanted to see the whites of their eyes, and that’s what tonight was about.”
