Heated Exchanges And Bitter Clashes On Last Night's First Leaders' TV Debate

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 09:28

By Martin Osborne

Sinn Féin launches its document called ‘A Choice for Change’ this morning with housing, childcare and the cost of living set to feature prominently.

Both government parties and Sinn Féin were accused of insulting the electorate in last night’s televised election debate.

A packed line-up of 10 party leaders on RTÉ meant there was a battle for airtime - with the three largest parties ultimately dominating proceedings.

Sinn Féin dismissed suggestions it purposely delayed publishing its manifesto until after the debate - while the coalition partners were criticised for failing to get a handle on the housing and homelessness crisis.

A bitter row erupted between Mary Lou McDonald and Simon Harris over the Taoiseach’s promise to give at least a thousand euro to every newborn baby.

Sinn Féin launches its document called ‘A Choice for Change’ this morning with housing, childcare and the cost of living set to feature prominently.

Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin accused Sinn Féin of deliberately waiting until after the debate to publish its manifesto.

Meanwhile, the Social Democrats will also launch their document which will include five red lines for entering Government – among them appointing a senior minister for disabilities

Elsewhere on the campaign trail Fine Gael is talking healthcare, Fianna Fail is looking at education, Aontu is talking cost of living, it’s climate for Labour and leaving cert reform for People Before Profit.