'If it was a boxing match, it would have been stopped' - Political parties give their reaction to first presidential debate

"From 'sloppy' to 'safe', candidates were careful in their performance"

"The first televised presidential debate aired on Monday night on Virgin Media after a manic few weeks of teasing, door-stepping and faux pas."

"Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael nominee Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's candidate Jim Gavin faced off against each other in a debate that failed to get the juices flowing, but certainly got chins wagging."

The first televised presidential debate aired on Monday night on Virgin Media after a manic few weeks of teasing, door-stepping and faux pas. Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael nominee Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's candidate Jim Gavin faced off against each other. Candidates adopted cautious performances across the exchange, with moments described between 'sloppy' and 'safe'. The debate did not generate strong momentum or excitement for viewers. The event nonetheless sparked commentary and conversation, keeping attention on candidate conduct and the unfolding campaign after recent campaigning missteps.

Read at Independent