Leaders debate

The leaders of the three main parties in Ireland took part in a televised debate on Wednesday night. The debate was hosted by RTÉ News and was the last chance for the leaders to make their case to the public before the general election on Friday.

The debate was lively and at times heated, with the leaders clashing on a range of issues, including housing, healthcare, and the economy. However, there was no clear winner and it is likely that the debate will have little impact on the outcome of the election.

The leaders

Micheál Martin, Fianna Fáil
Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin

The issues

Housing
Healthcare
The economy

Education

Climate change

The debate

The debate began with a discussion of housing. Martin accused Varadkar of failing to build enough homes, while Varadkar said that he had built more homes than any other government in history. McDonald said that Sinn Féin would build 100,000 homes over the next five years.

The leaders then moved on to discuss healthcare. Martin said that he would increase funding for the health service, while Varadkar said that he would reform the health system. McDonald said that Sinn Féin would introduce a universal health service.

The economy was the next topic of discussion. Martin said that he would focus on creating jobs, while Varadkar said that he would reduce taxes. McDonald said that Sinn Féin would invest in public services.

The debate concluded with a discussion of climate change. Martin said that he would take action to reduce carbon emissions, while Varadkar said that he would invest in renewable energy. McDonald said that Sinn Féin would declare a climate emergency.

The conclusion

The leaders debate was a lively and at times heated affair. However, there was no clear winner and it is likely that the debate will have little impact on the outcome of the election.

The Irish people will go to the polls on Friday to elect a new government. The election is likely to be close and could result in a hung parliament. It is therefore important that the public make an informed decision about who they vote for.