McDonald clashes with Harris and Martin during final leaders' debate
The Sinn Féin leader took advantage of her position between the two government representatives and will have emerged from the debate the happiest of the three
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.”
READ MORE: Former model who drank prosecco, wine and gin before causing death of mother of two faces jail
READ MORE: Young dad-of-two killed in horror crash involving lorry at N17 blackspot
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.
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.
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.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
