#PKDebate: 'I've been turning up since 1969' and other moments that got Twitter talking
Last night saw the first televised debate of the Presidential election to feature all six candidates and viewers had their phones at the ready to share their thoughts on the big talking moments.
Pat Kenny hosted presidential hopefuls President Michael D Higgins, Gavin Duffy, Seán Gallagher, Joan Freeman, Sean Casey and Liadh Ní Riada as they tackled the big issues facing the next president.
Around 738,400 of us watched the debate and according to figures people across the country sent over 15,000 tweets during the 90 minute show.
Last night's showdown got people talking more than Monday night's eventful Claire Byrne Live debate with a 60% increase in online discussion.
The race for #Aras18 presidential campaign is heating up with a 60% increase in discussion after last night's #PKDebate verses Monday's #CBlive debate. Check out the top stats below. pic.twitter.com/ksTUy54j3O
— David Connor (@eightytwenty) October 18, 2018
The candidates were grilled by Pat Kenny on the major issues facing the country at the moment and in the year's ahead - from the homelessness crisis to Brexit there was a lot to cover.
But what seemed to catch viewers attention the most was the shade thrown, the audience antics and the feeling that maybe we've seen this all before.
Here is just some of what Twitter had to say as the race to the Áras continues.
President Higgins had the quote of the night when he responded to criticism of his absence at previous debates.
"I just want to address not turning up...I've been turning up since 1969," he said. And Twitter LOVED it.
It’s like they all won a competition to stand up there beside Michael D.
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) October 17, 2018
“I’ve been turning up since 1969”
Someone press the golden buzzer for him 👏🏻 #PKDebate
OH Michael D you legend.... "I have been turning up since 1969.... " #PKDebate pic.twitter.com/c6BUCIh0mi
— ᥲꙆɩ⳽oᥒ (@curiouswoman_) October 17, 2018
Hahahaha Michael D is so sassy. "I've been turning up since 1969" #pkdebate #Aras18 pic.twitter.com/xQQcRcpyjk
— Cormac Mc (@corm1987) October 17, 2018
The presidential shade didn't stop there as people relished a retort to expense claims directed at Michael D from Peter Casey.
President Higgins said that Mr Casey was creating a "fantasy list" of expenses he had claimed during this seven-year term.
After Mr Casey accused the President of taking a private jet to Zurich, he was dismissed with a simple: "Add it to the list".
Michael D’s “Add it to the list (bitch)” put down to Peter Casey is a Miggledy meme waiting to happen #PKDebate #Aras18
— Oliver Callan (@olivercallan) October 17, 2018
The Roast of Peter Casey courtesy of @MichaelDHiggins “Add that to the list” #PKDebate pic.twitter.com/pAHTw7ZJrV
— Warren Farrell (@WarrenJJF) October 17, 2018
A live look at Peter Casey adding to his fantasy list. #PKdebate pic.twitter.com/6MrlyFHltb
— Breanne Christina 🤓 (@HarleyHEELS_x) October 17, 2018
"Just add it to the list"....love this guy @MichaelDHiggins #PKDebate
— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕡 (@Stephenteap) October 17, 2018
“Add it to the list” #PKdebate pic.twitter.com/vVMkAoTfwT
— Emma ✨ (@emma_inLDN) October 17, 2018
There were many experiencing debate fatigue and let their feelings be known.
This man's face sums up the mood of an entire nation. #pkdebate pic.twitter.com/jeV6RKYZcX
— ED SMITH (@EdSmithington) October 17, 2018
“Is it nearly over?”😄🙄🐶#PKdebate #brodaforpresident #MichaelDforPresidentdogs pic.twitter.com/PQPRnJsugC
— Kathleen O'Callaghan (@katziggy) October 17, 2018
Well, after watching that for the last 90
— Karl Brophy (@KarlBrophy) October 17, 2018
minutes I’m just glad that blasphemy is soon to be legal because, otherwise, I’d be looking down the barrel of a five stretch #Aras18 #pkdebate
Would be so fab if the #PKDebate was conducted in French royal costume 👑 pic.twitter.com/bi0kdwwEuN
— James Kavanagh (@JamesKavanagh_) October 17, 2018
As always, there were a few people in the audience that caught some attention.
Watching the #pkdebate and just spent the past 2 minutes staring at this girl in the background! She’s literally so fab! Get it girl pic.twitter.com/RoQcGJYTLQ
— Danielle Williamson (@_DanielleW_x) October 17, 2018
Arra Pat will you shift yourself there #PKDebate pic.twitter.com/0OKfY3lJHW
— TracyClifford (@TracyClifford) October 17, 2018
Thought this guy bought the jumper for a second! 🤦♂️#PKDebate pic.twitter.com/IeYRtA4VOj
— Brian McGowan (@flash04ster) October 17, 2018
It wasn't just the candidates that came in for criticism from Twitter users, Pat Kenny had people talking too.
Pat hasn't asked the only question that matters tonight.
— @sinead_ryan (@sinead_ryan) October 17, 2018
Do any of ye own dogs? #PKDebate
If you missed last night's debate, here is each candidate outlining their vision for the next seven years.
If you're just itching for some more election debate fun then fear not because before we head to the polls on October 26 there will be not one, but two more debates.
David McCullagh will welcome the candidates on RTÉ's Prime Time on Tuesday while Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates will host a Tonight Show: Presidential Election Special on Virgin Media One on Wednesday.
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