The first televised debate of the Irish presidential election campaign saw candidates Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, and Heather Humphreys engage in heated discussions on pressing national and international issues. Held on Virgin Media One’s ‘The Tonight Show,’ the debate covered topics ranging from the use of the Irish tricolour by anti-immigration groups to the conflict in Gaza and the vision for a united Ireland.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly, supported by left-wing parties including Sinn Féin, emphasized her commitment to fostering unity across communities. She expressed hope for a united Ireland during her potential presidency and condemned the rhetoric of anti-immigration campaigners as ‘abhorrent.’ Former Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys, a ‘proud Ulsterwoman,’ advocated for cross-border cooperation to achieve unity, while Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil candidate and former Dublin GAA manager, highlighted his republican values and praised the Good Friday Agreement.
On immigration, all candidates defended the Irish flag as a symbol of unity, with Gavin expressing pride in the tricolour and Humphreys stressing the president’s role in dispelling myths. Connolly pledged to use her voice to bridge divides, particularly in Northern Ireland.
The candidates also addressed the Gaza conflict, with Connolly calling for peace and expressing concerns about humanitarian consequences. Gavin accused the Israeli government of daily war crimes, while Humphreys supported legislation to ban goods from occupied territories, despite potential risks to international investment.
Regarding their presidential salaries, Connolly promised to donate a ‘substantial’ portion to projects, and Humphreys committed to returning her ministerial pension. The debate concluded with each candidate vowing to represent all sections of society and work toward a united republic.
The Irish presidential election, using the Single Transferable Vote system, will take place on October 25, with the winner serving a seven-year term until 2032.