Debate sees two rival gangs consolidating in urban decay

IT WAS the first act in the West Side Story for a NAMA generation – two rival gangs consolidating in urban decay.

Culturally they were polar opposites, each believed they inherited the right to a patriotic dream and the chance to lead the rescue of a stricken economy.

With their ideologies set down and supporters on-side they faced off for the first time in the boxed-in basement of Leinster House 2000.