RTE to host final Presidential debate as candidates clash over 'new low' comments

RTÉ’s Prime Time is set to host the final Presidential Election Debate this Tuesday night, October 21, providing an opportunity to hear directly from Ireland’s presidential candidates as the voters look to make their choice with the election just days away.

The debate comes just days after polls showed Catherine Connolly in a commanding lead and the two candidates clashed over Connolly's past as a barrister.

Fine Gael's candidate Heather Humphreys said Catherine Connolly worked for "UK banks" and that the Galway woman needed to come forward and "say exactly who she was working for and how many homes were repossessed." Catherine Connolly said the outburst was a "new low" for the campaign and that she was focusing on the last days of canvassing.

As part of RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the Prime Time Presidential Debate will feature live Irish Sign Language interpretation to ensure accessibility for our viewers from the Deaf and ISL community and will be will broadcast simultaneously on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player.

Ahead of the debate Miriam O’Callaghan said: “I am so excited for this debate - it’s such a privilege to moderate these key Presidential election moments, to be involved and realise what a huge responsibility it is for our democracy. Every member of our Prime Time team has worked so hard to make sure this is a fair, thorough and enlightening debate."

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Speaking on the debate Sarah McInerney said: After weeks of interviews and debates between the two candidates, we know there’s still a significant portion of undecided voters and people inclined not to vote at all. This debate is a final chance for the candidates to defend their position and win people’s vote. It might make all the difference. I can’t wait!”

The Behind the Story podcast will be live immediately after the Presidential debate concludes, with Katie Hannon, Fran McNulty and David McCullagh offering in-depth analysis and reaction to the night’s key moments. In a first for the podcast, it will be live on the RTÉ News Channel and livestreamed on YouTube.

The debate will also be streamed live on the RTÉ One account on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

Tune in live to RTÉ One, RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player this Tuesday, October 21 at 9:35pm for this key event from the election campaign.