Presidential debate: Sparks, slips and safe blows as candidates size each other up

The first presidential debate felt more like sparring than a showdown, with Jim Gavin steady, Catherine Connolly sharp, and Heather Humphreys muted

Presidential candidates: Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael's candidate Heather Humphreys, prior to the start of the first presidential debate on The Tonight Show. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

With Jim Gavin in the race, expect tortured sporting adages and clichés in this presidential campaign.

And let this writer add another.