McDonald clashes with Harris and Martin during final leaders' debate

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald must have been delighted when she saw she would be standing in the middle of Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin and Fine Gael’s Simon Harris on tonight's RTÉ Prime Time Leaders’ Debate.

She was able to take aim at both Harris and Martin in a single sentence, pointing at both men, sometimes simultaneously, when criticising the Government’s failures on matters such as disability.

In one of the evening's zingers, she also gestured at Martin for “your crash” and Harris for “his austerity.”

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The Taoiseach was on the back foot from the get-go of the debate, clearly rattled by questions about whether or not his team put pressure on RTÉ over a viral video showing his meeting with carer Charlotte Fallon.

Harris also scored a major own goal when he spoke about projects being delivered on time and on budget. “What about the Children’s Hospital?” Miriam O’Callaghan asked.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris during the final TV leaders' debate
(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Despite badgering Ms McDonald at times, voters at home never appreciate speakers interrupting each other or muttering under their breath. This is something the Taoiseach has been particularly guilty of during the last two debates.

Tanaiste and Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris with presenters Miriam O'Callaghan and Sarah McInerney during the final TV leaders' debate, at RTE studios in Donnybrook, Dublin, ahead of the General Election on November 29. Picture date: Tuesday November 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story IRISH Election. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

At the start of the debate, Mr Martin largely stood back and watched as the Fine Gael and Sinn Féin leaders took cuts off each other. However, he was able to have cross-words with Ms McDonald when he needed to, but never with Mr Harris. Read into that what you will.

While the jury is still out on how Friday’s election will go, Mary Lou McDonald will be more than happy with tonight's performance.

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