Defence, immigration and Gaza dominate first presidential TV debate – follow here for updates

They’ve been asked about the presidential salary (the official salary or “personal remuneration” of the president is around €330,000).

Jim Gavin will take the full salary, Heather Humphreys will follow Michael D’s example and waive her ministerial pension, and Catherine Connolly says she’ll donate a substantial portion.

The debate was originally set to wrap at 11.05pm, but we’ve been told now the running time has been extended till 11.20. 

We won’t be sticking around to liveblog ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ – although, from the listings, it looks like a solid episode. 

The debate has finally hit the housing crisis.

Heather Humphreys says young people are “putting their lives on hold” because they can’t get a home. She stresses that more houses need to be built “and it needs to happen now,” acknowledging that while her government achieved many things, it didn’t solve the problem.

“It’s a complex issue,” she adds, noting that successive ministers did their best.

Jim Gavin says the situation is “simply not good enough” and shares personal concern as a parent of teenage children.

When asked if the housing crisis made him reluctant to represent Fianna Fáil, he replies: “the president can’t build houses,” but says he would use the role to keep pressure on the government and shine a spotlight on the issue.

“The reason I agreed to run for Fianna Fáil is because we have a shared vision of the positive role the president can play for Ireland,” he adds.

Catherine Connolly rejects the Taoiseach’s framing that housing is “not just an Irish problem.”

She points to decades of policy shaped by neoliberal ideology and market solutions, and calls the situation “an obscenity” with 16,000 people homeless.

“Any sensible government would have changed policy,” she says.

We’re back from the final break, time to lock in for the last few minutes. Are the candidates saving the fireworks for the end?

Political Correspondent Jane Matthews reports from the press room in Ballymount:

We’re now an hour in, and I have to say, it really feels like Heather Humphreys does not have her head in the game tonight.

At different points, Connolly and Gavin have both been happy to interject and bring the conversation back to their own talking points. Humphreys, sat between the two, has largely only spoken when brought into the conversation by Cuddihy.

She then had what I’m sure some of her supporters will see as a blunder when she questioned whether the Occupied Territories Bill would be worthwhile or impactful when passed. That one might come back to bite her.

I said earlier that it was notable that Gavin has come out swinging, and he has kept that up in the second half. It’s more of a debate between him and Connolly than a three-way debate if we are being honest. 

Still about 10-minutes to go, so Humphreys might come out studs up for the final round. Let’s see.

Does Trump deserve the Nobel Peace prize if peace is achieved in Gaza?

Connolly is not overly convinced about giving him credit, adding that while Trump has spoken the language of peace for quite some time, it “hasn’t quite worked out yet”.

“He talks about a Riveara, while financing genocide,” she adds.

Gavin, meanwhile, says that the Palestinian Authority need to “get involved” in peace talks.

“There’s a long way to go,” Gavin says.

Humphreys adds that the inclusion of Hamas in the formation of a future government would be difficult as they are a “proscribed terrorist group”.

She compares the crisis to the Troubles, adding: “We know from Northern Ireland, that you have to put down your arms.”

Connolly takes a shot a Gavin over his comments on Gaza earlier this month, where he said that the Israeli army’s “military objectives” had probably been reached.

“Jim has talked about the military targets being met, and that Israel should now stop. When was the military target met?” Connolly says.

Gavin criticises her comment as “unfair”, adding that Israel is committing war crimes, and says that he was proud to see the Palestine flag being flown across Ireland in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Connolly interjects several times as the exchange continues, repeatedly asking him at what point the “military objectives” were reached. 

Gavin doesn’t engage and seems reluctant to directly acknowledge his previous comments, made in the early days of his campaign. 

Opposition politicians rounded on Gavin over his original comments, with Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty tweeting in response “it’s genocide Jim”. 

For the first time, Fianna Fáil’s presidential candidate Jim Gavin has outlined his stance on key political issues including Gaza, and a united Ireland. His narrow selection also raises questions about party unity.

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— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 10, 2025

Gavin, the resident sportsperson on the debate panel tonight, says that he’s a big fan of the NFL.

Cuddihy asks about the sport’s link with the US military, and comments by former Dublin footballer Michael Darragh MacAuley criticising the NFL game held in Croke Park on Sunday.

“Think about what it brings into the economy,” Gavin says.

The same issue it put to Connolly, who says she “certainly had concerns”.

“We have to begin to question the military-industrial complex and its connections with everything,” Connolly says, pointing out the links between the US military and the conflict in Gaza.

Picking up on this, Humphreys says that “what’s happening in Gaza is wrong, it is genocide.”

Cuddihy asks about the delays in the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill. 

“In fairness, is it going to make any difference in terms of what’s happening in Israel? No,” Humphreys says.

She quickly rolls back on this, calling the OTB “a very important bill”

Of course, this debate could well have been a four-way affair had Maria Steen managed to get the magic number of 20 signatures. 

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who had backed Steen’s campaign, reckons it will be a different scenario next time around. 

We will make sure the next time.

— Peadar Tóibín TD (@Toibin1) September 29, 2025

Cuddihy is now asking about the perceived safety of Dublin city centre, particularly in relation to the recent alleged attack of an NFL player on Saturday.

“I do accept that [perception]. That is an indictment on government policy,” Humphreys says, stating that government needs to “make sure that we recruit enough” gardaí.

“If people feel unsafe, we need to address that problem.”

🗣️ “The problem in this country, I suppose, is it’s very hard to get staff.” – @HeatherH#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/hT9faFIEhH

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

When was the last time Jim Gavin walked down O’Connell Street, Cuddihy asks.

“I’m very familiar with it,” he says.

Once again mentioning his time with the Dublin City taskforce, Gavin reiterates Humphreys’ call for more gardaí.

🗣️ “Heather just said that there are more gardaí on the ground.” – @kierancuddihy
“Yes, but there’s not enough.” – @gavinforthearas#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/aZWORNGjDK

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

Connolly’s up next – according to her, part of the issue might be “retention and recruitment” of gardaí, but another part is “a complete lack of understanding by the powers that be for the need for community gardaí on the ground”.

While she points out that prisons are full, she says that they “are not the answer”. 

🗣️ “I saw a complete lack of Garda presence on the ground.” – @catherinegalway#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/qUn2Lmroop

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

We’re at the end of the first break.

We’re far from any fireworks yet, but there certainly has been some points of contention between the candidates so far, though all seem fairly defensive.

Will Gavin’s media training get him to the end of the hour? We’ll have to see.

Kieran Cuddihy asks about asylum numbers.

Gavin says the numbers have been high but are coming down, and points to the need for a “robust but fair system”, noting his experience chairing the Dublin North Inner City Task Force.

Catherine Connolly stresses that direct provision and other issues are being conflated, calls for an efficient system and points out what she describes as successive governments’ failure to abolish direct provision, leaving people isolated.

Humphreys says it is about the speed of processing applications, and stresses that the role of the President is to “bring people together”.

Political Correspondent Jane Matthews reports from the press room in Ballymount:

Worth noting that it was Jim Gavin to first go on the offensive tonight by criticising Catherine Connolly’s opposition to removing the Triple Lock on deploying peacekeepers overseas.

That’s really the first time in the election that Gavin has hit out at one of the other candidates.

Don’t get me wrong, it was all very civil, but still a slight change from what we have seen from him so far.

Heather Humphreys is the quietest of the three so far. A bit of a weak start. Connolly is the one getting the toughest ride so far from presenter Kieran Cuddihy. Although his focus has now turned to Humphreys, who probably has the toughest record to defend, given that she is the only candidate to have been in Government.

Really weak answer there from Jim Gavin on the use of the Irish flag by anti-immigrant groups. A lot of words without really saying anything. A politician is born!

Coming up to the halfway mark and no fireworks so far. 

Jim Gavin says that people “need to be aware” what the Irish tricolour means, in reference to his comments yesterday where he criticised the perceived “misuse” of the Irish flag by extremes on the left or right.

“It’s inclusion, it’s equality. That’s what our flag is about,” he adds.

Humphreys is asked if the divisive installations of tricolours should be removed.

“I think we need to speak to people to let them understand that that is wrong,” she says.

Connolly is also asked about the controversial displaying of tricolours.

“I think we have to find a way to deal with this issue in a way that is tries to acknowledge what’s happening. The language of division, the language of saying the country is full, is just abhorrent,” she says.

“A vacuum has emerged that allows this particular group, to turn their anger in the wrong way and on the wrong people and the use of the symbol in the wrong manner.”

Connolly stresses her independence, saying, “I didn’t base it on party support, nor on the money I had”.

“Obviously, party support is very, very welcome, and I’ve made that clear.”

Humphreys is up next, defending the European military build-up. 

“We need to invest in our defence forces,” Humphreys says.

“There has been increased investment, I’m sure, over the years, and we need more. It’s as simple as that. “

Jim Gavin has come out swinging, saying there needs to be an “honest conversation” about Connolly’s comments regarding European military build-ups.

He reflects on the war in Ukraine, emphasising the right of nations to defend their sovereignty.

“I proudly wore the Irish tricolour on my shoulders,” he says, speaking of his military career. 

Asked if the government are neglecting the Defence Forces, Gavin says: “I’m not here to defend the government”.

He highlights Ireland’s long-standing peacekeeping role since 1958, praises the country’s neutrality, and notes the respect it commands internationally, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

🗣️ “If we follow the policy of the Triple Lock that we have now, that Catherine supports, we won’t have any peacekeeping.” – @gavinforthearas#TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/LGfaIweV13

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

Connolly was asked about her recent comments drawing parallels between the current German military build-up to the 1930s.

“I’m extremely worried about the military industrial complex that’s building up, particularly in Europe. Germany is just one of the examples, because they’ve actually said it very openly that that’s what their economy needs and it’s a boost their economy,” Connolly says. 

“I want to use the presidency to promote peace,” she adds, highlighting rising global poverty, shrinking welfare budgets, and the millions of displaced people globally.

Jim Gavin was last to open, highlighting his four decades of public service, from supporting disadvantaged communities to leading peacekeeping missions in Africa.

He stressed teamwork, respect, and unity, promising to be a “president for every section of society” and a voice for all.

Gavin described himself as determined, active, and positive, and said he looks forward to debating the role of the president.

Presidential Debate 2025: This is why Jim Gavin thinks you should vote for him in the upcoming presidential election. #TonightVMTV 👇 pic.twitter.com/BP2nhipg4t

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

Heather Humphreys opened next by asking voters to place their trust in her.

She highlighted her background as a credit union manager, over a decade in cabinet, and her role in the 1916 commemorations and the covid pandemic response.

“All my life I have seen the quiet strength of women,” she said.

“I can’t promise perfection, but I will promise honesty, compassion and service.”

Presidential Debate 2025: This is why Heather Humphreys thinks you should vote for her in the upcoming presidential election. #TonightVMTV 👇 pic.twitter.com/EeJYS5CR0S

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

Connolly was up first to pitch.

She greeted viewers in Irish and English during her opening address, asking for the privilege of serving as the next President.

The independent candidate emphasised building a “united republic” where everyone is valued, diversity is celebrated, and sustainable solutions are prioritized.

Connolly also highlighted Ireland’s role in promoting peaceful conflict resolution, drawing on the country’s history and experience with the Northern peace process.

She signed off by urging voters to give her “uimhir a haon”.

Presidential Debate 2025: This is why Catherine Connolly thinks you should vote for her in the upcoming presidential election. #TonightVMTV 👇 pic.twitter.com/fNR5U0WrG3

— TonightVMTV (@TonightVMTV) September 29, 2025

It’s an amicable affair so far as the candidates settle into their seats

Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE


Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

The debate is about to kick off shortly – time to put the kettle on.

Game, almost, on.

The first #aras25 TV debate – and the first three-way presidential debate in Irish TV history! – is underway at 10pm on Virgin Media One.

⁦@VirginMediaNews⁩ #TonightVMTV pic.twitter.com/82J8nm2sh7

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) September 29, 2025

Jim Gavin has said that he’s “looking forward to” his first political debate tonight.

Gavin was out in Sandymount on the campaign trail today. Humphreys and Connolly had no public engagements for the day – instead, both presumably spent their time preparing for the debate.

🏁“The campaign begins in earnest tonight.”

Jim Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly take the stage for the first TV debate of the presidential race. Don’t miss it on @TonightVMTV at 10pm on Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Play. pic.twitter.com/dRFVLlU9k1

— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) September 29, 2025

All candidates are now in the Virgin Media studios ahead of the debate.

Jim Gavin was the last to arrive, roughly half an hour ago.

They’re currently in the makeup chairs, with their teams giving them a final once-over and the candidates taking a last look over their notes before the cameras roll.

The stage is set for what (hopefully) promises to be a lively debate.

It’s likely that the candidates will play it safe and defensive, as there’s still four weeks to go until the polls open.

Fear not – reporters at Virgin Media’s Ballymount studios won’t be going hungry tonight. 

A stacked spread of sandwiches awaits in the media room.

Jane Matthews / The Journal


Jane Matthews / The Journal / The Journal

Need a refresher on how presidential debates have gone in recent years? Political Correspondent Jane Matthews has the explainer you need here

Here’s how the debate is going to look:

Moderator and host Kieran Cuddihy will give each candidate a 60-second opening pitch and 30 seconds to close.

Seating was decided by a draw – Catherine Connolly is in the middle, flanked by Jim Gavin and Heather Humphreys, with the former Dublin football bainisteoir sitting closest to Cuddihy.

For the duration of the debate, Cuddihy has promised that all three candidates will “tackle the big issues that will decide the election”.

📺 Presidential Debate | @TonightVMTV | 10 PM

The race for the presidency is on as Jim Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly face off in the first TV debate of the campaign. With voting on Oct 24, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the candidates. pic.twitter.com/UlnMDrNRe6

— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) September 29, 2025

Welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s presidential debate on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show. We’ll be bringing you the key moments, sharp exchanges, and a bit of colour from the scene as it happens.