The facts behind the second #GE16 leaders debate ... in data

Some argue that it is only verifiable data and statistics which will reveal the whole truth. So in that spirit data journalist, Robbie Byrne, got to work crunching the data from last night's #GE16 election debate.

Here's the results of his efforts.

WHO SPOKE THE MOST

Data from last night’s leaders debate shows that Enda Kenny came out on top with regard to actual minutes spoken.

WHO SPOKE WHEN

Here the time spoken by each leader is broken down chronologically.

WHO MENTIONED WHO

Unsurprisngly Enda Kenny received the most mentions with Micheál Martin leading the attacks, mentioning Enda Kenny thirteen times. For clarity the thickness of the line indicates the volume of mentions.

THE BUZZWORD BINGO CHART

Finally to some of those buzzwords.

Unsurprisingly, Enda Kenny mentioned the word ‘recovery’ the most. Bucking the trend of previous debates, Irish Water, failed to garner a single mention while the much-abhorred term ‘fiscal space’ was treated to a single mention ... by Richard Boyd Barrett.

Gerry Adams was the only leader to mention 1916, referring to the anniversary on four occasions. ‘Can I just say’ was, unsurprisingly, mentioned eight times by Joan Burton.