Five takeaways from the presidential debate: Candidates clash over Gaza, housing and experience

From fiery exchanges on Gaza and Ukraine to questions over housing and political experience, here are five key debate takeaways

The first televised debate ahead of Ireland's 2025 presidential election was broadcast by Virgin Media on Monday September 29, 2025. Picture: Harry Burton

Debate gets feisty, fast

There had been questions about how the debates would go and whether the candidates would clash with their opponents.