Debate descends into shouting match

SENATOR David Norris refused to disclose the source of his legal advice not to publish controversial letters of clemency during last night’s presidential debate.

“Dirty tricks” were denied by all candidates during the 90-minute TV3 live broadcast, with Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell dismissing claims that his party was involved in negative campaigning.

Responding to claims by Independent Mary Davis that the party was using polling companies to “hone attack messages” against her, Mr Mitchell said: “I know of no such thing... I’ve been the subject of negative campaigning myself, I took it on the chin.”