Race to the Áras: Catherine Connolly’s to lose — but Heather Humphreys isn’t done fighting yet

With polls showing Catherine Connolly ahead, Heather Humphreys faces a crucial Prime Time debate that could define Ireland’s presidential election

Much will hang on Tuesday's 'Prime Time' debate after this week's polls showed Catherine Connolly (left) has a commanding lead on Heather Humphreys (right). Photo: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA

As the last radio debate of the presidential campaign wound down on Friday morning, both candidates sounded hoarse.

Given the nature of the campaign, with its focus on meeting and speaking to so many people and doing so many interviews, press conferences and debates, it's not surprising. But it perhaps illustrated the way many people are feeling around this campaign which, since shrinking to just two candidates, has no doubt felt somewhat repetitive at times.