Five takeaways from the presidential debate: Candidates clash over Gaza, housing and experience
The first televised debate ahead of Ireland's 2025 presidential election was broadcast by Virgin Media on Monday September 29, 2025. Picture: Harry Burton
There had been questions about how the debates would go and whether the candidates would clash with their opponents.
It didnât take long for an answer, as Fianna FĂĄilâs Jim Gavin challenged Independent Catherine Connolly early over her comments comparing German rearmament to the 1930s.
He criticised Ms Connolly, saying countries like Germany and Estonia were ramping up defence spending to protect their sovereignty.
It wasnât the only attack of the night, as Ms Connolly later hit back at Mr Gavin over his remarks on Gaza, where he said Israeli military objectives had been met.
With Heather Humphreys serving in Cabinet for a decade, she was always going to defend successive governmentsâ records on major issues.
That became a sticking point, with Ms Humphreys coming under fire on housing and direct provision.
While Mr Gavin also faced questions about government actions, it was to a lesser extent given his position as a newcomer.
How Ms Humphreys handles these attacks in future debates will be key.
The former Dublin GAA manager has not been in politics long, only formally receiving the Fianna FĂĄil nomination this month.
While Mr Gavin has improved since his early media appearances, many people saw him for the first time tonight and may not be fully convinced.
He didnât crash and burn in his first major debate, but he will need to step up if he wants to convince the public he is the right person for the presidency.
Since entering the presidential race, Catherine Connolly has faced questions about her previous remarks.
In the past, these focused on Syria and Gemma OâDoherty. On Monday, it was her comparison of the current German government to the 1930s regime over rearmament.
Ms Connolly defended the remarks, saying it was a criticism of countries using the military-industrial complex to boost their economies.
The issue is likely to remain, with her pressed again after the debate. However, she does not appear willing to withdraw the comparison.
With global crises dominating headlines, it was no surprise that Gaza and Ukraine featured heavily on Monday evening.
With talk of a US-led plan to end the Israeli war in Gaza and debate over EU defence building, foreign policy will likely play a central role in future debates.
We saw glimpses of this tonight as candidates responded to the possibility of a US-led peace plan.
Thatâs not to say domestic issues like housing, immigration, and healthcare wonât matter â but they may take a slight backseat.
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