Next Monday night (27th January) Claire Byrne will host the biggest Election 2020 leaders debate of the campaign so far. For the very first time RTÉ will broadcast a special leaders debate live from Galway.
The seven political parties leaders joining Claire on stage for the major two hour live debate will be: Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin), Leo Varadkar (Fine Gael), Brendan Howlin (Labour), Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil), Richard Boyd Barrett (Solidarity / People Before Profit), Eamon Ryan (Green Party) and Roísín Shortall (Social Democrats).
The leaders will also face questions from an audience of over 300 people independently selected by RED C Research polling company.
Speaking ahead of the huge broadcast, presenter Claire Byrne said: “I am really looking forward to bringing the national debate to Galway. I want voters to get a clear picture of what each party is offering. We’ll be teasing out the key policies with the seven leaders with the sole aim of giving voters the information they need before they head to the polling booth on February 8th.“
This is the second time a major leaders debate has been broadcast outside of Dublin, following RTÉ’s successful debate at the University of Limerick in 2016.
Welcoming the broadcast from Galway, President of NUI Galway Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway is for the public good, belonging to the people and for society. We’re delighted to partner with RTÉ to bring this important debate to Galway. The University is 175 this year, and our city is European Capital of Culture, so it’s fitting that the leaders of our country’s parties will meet here to outline their visions for the future of the nation. We look forward to welcoming them to the West at this important moment of decision-making in our nation’s history.”
The programme will be available to watch live on RTÉ One, RTÉ News Now and worldwide on the RTÉ Player.
Claire Byrne Live Leaders Debate, Monday 27th January at 9.35pm