With President Michael D Higgins and Sean Gallagher as no-shows, the other four came with their hopes and integrity on the line.

Not one of the four contenders — Joan Freeman, Gavin Duffy, Liadh Ní Riada, and Peter Casey — managed to poll in double digits in last week’s Red C poll for Paddy Power and between them they accounted for just 16% of the field.

The early exchanges followed a similar path to the radio debate last Saturday on RTÉ.

There was plenty of bashing of Michael D’s decision not to participate in the TV debate and of Mr Gallagher’s decision to “hide” behind that. Ms Ní Riada said it was a real sign of contempt for the pair not to show up.

It disrespects the office that you are above the ordinary people,” she said.

After Mr Casey made the claim the President’s dog has cost €10,000 in grooming fees, paid for by the taxpayer, presenter Claire Byrne read a statement from the Áras to say the allegation was false.

Cue outrage from the candidates, who turned on Ms Byrne for giving airtime to someone who had not bothered to show up.

“It is his job to show up,” said several candidates.

Minutes before the off, as the candidates posed for the cameras with Ms Byrne on the set, visible nerves were on show.

Mr Duffy sought assurances from his PR man Richard Moore that his podium was workable.

Ahead of the debate, in pre-emptive strikes, the two non-attendees exchanged letters about their decision not to participate.

The runner-up of the 2011 campaign and victim from the Frontline debacle, Mr Gallagher penned a missive to Michael D, and leaked it to the media to be sure, about the President’s snub.

Mr Gallagher sent a letter to the Áras on Sunday night to vent his disappointment that because of Michael D’s decision not appear, he would not appear.

I note there are no public engagements in your diary for Monday that preclude you from participating in the Claire Byrne Live debate and your decision, as stated by you, is a political one in the context of this campaign,” he barbed.

He accused the incumbent and front runner in the race of “insulting” the Irish people by not taking part.

“I am disappointed by your decision and believe it is insulting to the people of Ireland and shows contempt for the integrity of our electoral process. In the event you reflect on your position, I have left a space in my schedule to participate in the Claire Byrne Live debate.”

Then, mid-to-late afternoon, a response came — not from Michael D, but from his campaign manager, Claire Power.

First thing she did was to rap Gallagher’s knuckles for sending the letter to the Áras about a campaign matter, “for obvious reasons”.

“I refer to your correspondence received at Áras an Uachtaráin late on Sunday night, 14th October.

President Michael D Higgins’ election headquarters is located at 14-16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin. May I request that any further correspondence in relation to any aspect of the election campaign is directed to the Michael D Higgins Campaign Office, not Áras an Uachtaráin, for obvious reasons,” she wrote.

“Let me confirm that President Michael D Higgins will fulfil the debate engagements that he announced publicly on October 2nd. Can I say that I was surprised to receive your missive last night before the airing of one particular debate. As noted above President Higgins publicly indicated his commitment to debates 12 days ago.”

Ms Ní Riada, in turn, then hit out at Mr Gallagher.

She said: “Seán, stop hiding behind Michael D and show up for all the debates. No one should have a misplaced sense of entitlement in this election. Not credible to stand for office and not turn up to debate the issue.”