Analysis: Debate more like McGregor fight than political exchange

In terms of the history of political debates, this four-way squabble was more similar to Conor McGregor’s last cage fight in Las Vegas.

Of the 90 minutes of “debate”, more than half was taken up by a Tower of Babel- like cacophony with each of the leaders talking over each other.

TV3’s first foray into a leaders’ debate was well thought out and very professional. Instead of having the leaders in a line, they had them each at the cardinal points of a circle, facing each other.

It made for a debate that was far more aggressive than anything we have witnessed before. It was up there with some Donald Trump moments.

The leaders all arrived separately, with Enda Kenny and Joan Burton first in, and Gerry Adams arriving late (the Sinn Féin battle bus overshot the entrance).

Both Pat Kenny and Colette Fitzpatrick handled the debate as best they could. They were well-briefed and asked very pointed questions. But it quickly descended into a schemozzle with no clear outcome.

It was only when the debate turned to the question of the Eighth amendment late in the debate that the Marquis of Queensbury finally made an appearance.

‘Fuzzy economics’

Joan Burton had some of the best lines of the night. She went on the attack early against Gerry Adams, tackling him on Sinn Féin “fuzzy economics”. She consistently zeroed in on the Sinn Féin leader, accusing him of telling lies and also of pointing his finger at her.

This kind of debate best suits Micheál Martin. He was very assertive throughout and possibly scored heaviest in the section discussing the health service, which many thought would be his vulnerability.

Enda Kenny was the only one not to raise his voice. He tried to remain presidential and stayed above the fray. But his difficulty was that he was in danger of becoming a spectator for long periods of the debate.

As for Gerry Adams, he came under ferocious pressure, on Sinn Féin’s past and on crime, and maybe managed to scrape a messy nil-all score draw. It must be remembered he has been a poor performer in past debates. On this occasion he was very assertive and more or less held his own.

The debate struck a more sober tone when the politicians were questioned about their positions on demands that the Eighth amendment to the Constitution should be repealed to ensure that women with fatal foetal abnormalities are able to have an abortion, rather than enduring a full pregnancy or having to travel to the UK.

Despite demands for greater clarity about his own attitudes to a change in the Constitution, Mr Kenny stood by his pre-election declaration that he would establish a constitutional convention. This would, in turn, make recommendations to the government on the options that should then be considered.

Rather than simply defend every element of the Government’s performance on health, the Taoiseach accepted that problems had occurred in hospitals, particularly with waiting lists.

However, Mr Martin, who previously served in health, claimed the Government had not been able to face up to its performance in the Department of Health.

He said the Taoiseach had a “brass neck” to claim success in the area of health, claiming its policies and performance had been a disgrace.

Winners and losers

So the only clear thing is that there was a lot of squabbling and a lot of confusion. No real clear winners. But then no real clear losers either.

Afterwards all gave their post-match briefing. All were far more convivial and forgiving of their opponents than during the debate. There are more debates left. Let’s hope they are not such shout fests.