Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Leader's debate: what did we learn and who won?
Nov 27, 2024
Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones from the Irish Times dive into the recent leaders' debate featuring Mary Lou McDonald, Micheál Martin, and Simon Harris. They dissect key moments, highlighting McDonald's performance and the overall lack of excitement. The duo critiques the candidates' cautious approaches to pressing issues like economic policies and support for individuals with disabilities. They discuss how the debate dynamics may influence public perception and the upcoming election landscape, including the potential rise of left-wing coalitions.
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Debate Impact
- The debate was important but didn't cause a dramatic shift in the campaign.
- Simon Harris performed adequately, relieving some pressure, while Mary Lou McDonald was strong in her criticisms but weak on details.
Debate Dynamics
- The debate felt risk-averse, lacking major attacks or decisive moments.
- Simon Harris seemed overprepared, while Mary Lou McDonald had the best line, and Micheál Martin maintained a statesmanlike demeanor.
Performance Analysis
- Mary Lou McDonald hesitated on policy details and missed opportunities for stronger attacks.
- Simon Harris's muttering was irritating, but he reversed the narrative of a failing campaign.