WHAT, you might ask, is the point of having live election debates when the parties are shouting their policies from every rooftop and making promises on every doorstep?
Last night’s (Tuesday, November 19), candidates debate at the Millenium Theatre, hosted by TUS, Limerick Chamber and the Limerick Post answered that question neatly.
There are many and varied strings needed to a candidate’s bow if they are to make sweet music in the Dáil and they include the ability to speak and press home an argument with confidence, under pressure.
That was the opportunity offered to the seven candidates who picked up the gauntlet and took to the stage on Tuesday night to set out their stalls and answer questions on the burning issues.
Every candidate in both city and county was invited but some didn’t elect to take part, either through previous commitments or other reasons.
Two who had signed up for the event – Green Party TD Brian Leddin, and Councillor Esther Aherne, Independent Ireland – had to withdraw at the 11th hour for credible personal reasons.
A planned second debate to facilitate the county candidates could not go ahead as only three had signed up to take part, despite an extended deadline.
They were Fianna Fáil’s Bridie Collins, Rob O’Donnell of the Green Party and Gerben Unk, founder of the Party for Animal Welfare.
Those who did face questions from moderator and political editor of the Irish Times, Pat Leahy, were Ruairí Fahy, People Before Profit, Senator Paul Gavan, Sinn Féin, Michelle Hayes, Independent, Deputy Kieran O’Donnell, Fine Gael, Dee Ryan, Fianna Fáil and Conor Sheehan, Labour Party.
Opening proceedings, Noel Gavin, Limerick Chamber president, said that “both the county and city is set to experience the most significant change of any county as it relates to local and national government.
“Along with the local national and European elections, Limerick has elected Ireland’s first directly elected mayor. The new role comes with important powers over areas of transport and housing, allowing key decisions to be made locally. So a new dynamic will be needed between our local and national representatives”.
Publisher of the Limerick Post, Will Ryan told the capacity live audience and the almost 1,000 tuning in on line that “we are fortunate to have a vibrant local media landscape. Local media plays a critical role in countering misinformation and ensuring voters have access to the facts needed to make informed decisions.
“This dedication to truth and accountability is essential for the health of our democracy. I want to thank the candidates who are here tonight, your willingness to engage directly with the voters demonstrates the transparency, accountability, and public service we all value in our leaders. Participation isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a responsibility”.
After each candidate set out their stall, Pat Leahy got down to brass tacks and asked everyone about there stance on the issues that every voter wants answered. Housing, the health service – specifically University Hospital Limerick – and law and order.
And then, finally, the thorny question of immigration.
Every candidate had plenty to say about UHL on a day when there were more than 130 admitted patients waiting on trolleys for a proper bed.
Likewise, there were no shortage of proposals for how the housing crisis should be tackled,
Law and order brought some very diverse opinions on whether it’s more important to have a Garda presence on every corner or tackle to social problems that drive so much of criminal activity or both.
Immigration drew responses from candidates that ranged from promises to send those who were here illegally home, to a universal acceptance that there wouldn’t be staff enough in our hospitals to empty bed pans were it not for the talents of immigrants who come here, fill the professions and pay taxes.
There were lighter moments. When Conor Sheehan expressed his dismay at coming out of a takeaway to find the Armed Response Unit and the fire brigade attending a blazing car, yards from his front door, Pat Leahy asked “what did you order?”
Ruairí Fahy remarked that while everyone complained of a shortage of Gardaí “there’s no shortage of them when there’s a protest at Shannon Airport”.
And Paul Gavan at one stage referred to a Government policy as being “like Bobby Ewing stepped out of the shower”.
It was a pity so many in the audience were too young to get the reference. And at the same time a hopeful augury for youth engagement in the coming election.
You can watch the debate back on the Limerick Post YouTube channel.
