IF YOU WERE hoping for fireworks tonight in the first presidential debate of the election, sadly, they did not materialise.
Things kicked off out in Ballymount at 10pm, with Independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys sat side-by-side across from host Kieran Cuddihy.
Over the course of about an hour and twenty minutes, they discussed topics including neutrality, defence spending, immigration, housing, the use of the Irish tricolour, Gaza, Irish Unity, and whether Dublin is safe or not.
Opening pitches
The debate got underway with each candidate giving a one-minute pitch to voters.
Connolly spoke about shaping a “new united republic”.
“Where everyone is valued, where diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
Notably, she was the only one of the three to reference anything about “sustainability” in her pitch. This was the closest mention we had to climate change all night.
🗣️ “We are a neutral country and we should be using our voice, as small as we are.” – @catherinegalway#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/s7wf3KXruL
— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025
Humphreys spoke of how she has seen the “quiet strength of women” all her life and of how “women are the ones holding things together”.
Gavin leaned into his leadership experience, referencing his time peacekeeping. He said that at a time of growing division, he commits to be a president for “every section of society”. Notably, it was Cuddihy who first referenced Gavin’s work in the GAA and it wasn’t until about 45 minutes into the show.
Jim had a pep in his step that Heather was missing
Pressure was on Gavin to come out swinging in this debate, and to be fair to him, he did.
He was happy to interject and bring himself back into the conversation at different points, and it was notable also that he was the first of the candidates to take a swipe at another (Catherine Connolly and her opposition to removing the Triple Lock).
Connolly also interjected at points and brought things back to her own talking points. Of the three, she seemed the most comfortable throughout.
Humphreys, by comparison, was much quieter. At points, it felt like the debate was between Connolly and Gavin, with Humphreys sticking to answering Cuddihy’s questions and waiting politely to be called on.
🗣️ “We live in a changing world. We have to support our Defence Forces.” – @HeatherH#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/lTtsgWCEmO
— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025
At no point did any of the candidates truly take the gloves off and have a go at another; the closest we got to that (and really it wasn’t close at all) was Gavin taking issue with Connolly bringing up his previous comments referring to Israel’s “military objectives” in Gaza.
The Tricolour
One of the most interesting parts of the debate was the candidates’ responses to a question about the “misuse” of the Irish flag.
At his campaign launch on Sunday, Gavin criticised the misuse of the Irish tricolour by extremes on the left and right. During tonight’s debate, he was asked to expand on this and asked directly whether flags that have been put up in areas to symbolise an anti-immigrant sentiment should be taken down by authorities.
His answer was a bit convoluted.
After explaining his views on the meaning of the tricolour, he summed up his answer by saying:
“For me, that flag speaks to inclusion, and people have a right to put the flags where they so choose to do.”
Humphreys’ answer had more meat to it.
After largely repeating much of what Gavin said, she concluded: “Our flag is a symbol, a symbol of unity. It should not be used as a symbol of division.”
She added that people need to be “made understand” that it is “wrong” to use the flag in that way.
Connolly wasn’t asked specifically whether the flags should be taken down or not, but on them being used as a symbol of division she said the language of saying Ireland is full is “abhorrent” and against “everything” she stands for.
She said, however, that these voices have been raised because of a vacuum that grew due to things like the housing crisis.
Notably, Gavin said at one point that the level of people claiming asylum in Ireland has been too high in recent years.
That’s a comment that he will likely be picked up on and asked to expand on over the course of the next week.
Occupied Territories Bill blunder
Another comment that will likely be examined again and again was one Humphreys made about the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB).
Despite her party leader being the person with the responsibility of shepherding it through the Oireachtas, Humphreys seemed to minimise the impact the OTB will have.
“Well, in fairness, is it going to make any difference in terms of what’s happening in Israel?,” she asked.
🗣️ “What we need to protect is that Palestine have their own state.” – @gavinforthearas#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/wOgq6T9E4s
— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025
Taking the money?
Elsewhere, all three candidates were asked whether they would take the full €330,000 presidential salary or not and whether they would serve one or two terms.
Gavin’s response: “I will take whatever remuneration is applicable.”
Humphreys: She will do the same as Michael D Higgins and give back her ministerial pension.
Connolly: She would take the full salary and give some back to various projects.
All three said they would be focused on just one term as president.
Overall, tonight’s debate is unlikely to change the course of the election on its own, but it has set the tone for some of what we can expect.
And so far, the tone is looking tame enough.
