Mary Regan: How two presidential candidates failed to take on TV debate challenge - and where to next?

"Every candidate seeking power in a democracy has the right to express their policies, but the voter is best served when those positions are rigorously tested, Mary Regan writes Independent Catherine Connolly now has the momentum behind her presidential campaign, after outperforming her opponents in the first televised debate. She was by far the most comfortable and assertive, sticking by her points and positions, and appearing more passionate, more authentic and less scripted than the other two."

"She was by far the most comfortable and assertive, sticking by her points and positions, and appearing more passionate, more authentic and less scripted than the other two."

Every candidate seeking power in a democracy has the right to express policies, but voters benefit when those positions are rigorously tested. Independent Catherine Connolly gained momentum in her presidential campaign after outperforming opponents in the first televised debate. Connolly appeared more comfortable and assertive than her rivals. She consistently stuck by her points and positions during the debate. She came across as more passionate, more authentic and less scripted than the other two candidates. Rigorous testing of policies helps voters evaluate conviction, clarity and performance under pressure.

Read at Independent