Last night’s first televised debate gave voters a chance to judge the three frontrunners in the 2025 presidential race not just on their policies, but on their poise under pressure. Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys, and Jim Gavin all had moments of strength and vulnerability as they set out their vision for the presidency.
The debate opened with one-minute introductions. Connolly immediately stood out by switching into Irish, underlining her fluency and cultural roots. Humphreys leaned on her identity as a woman who has seen “women holding things together” during hard times, while Gavin positioned himself as a unity candidate, promising energy and reconciliation from the Áras.
It didn’t take long for the exchanges to sharpen. Gavin challenged Connolly over her past remarks on German defence spending, accusing her of downplaying the threat from Russia. Connolly pushed back, saying her comments were about “military-industrial expansion” rather than Germany specifically. She then turned the tables, questioning Gavin about his remarks on Israel’s military objectives, which he struggled to clarify. The clash revealed clear divisions: Connolly stressing Ireland’s duty to “speak up for peace,” Humphreys preferring a more cautious role, and Gavin emphasising Ireland’s moral voice abroad.
Much of the pressure fell on Humphreys, who was repeatedly pressed on her cabinet record in areas like homelessness, immigration, and Defence underfunding. While she tried to draw a line between government policy and the presidency, she was pulled into defending decisions. On the Occupied Territories Bill, she admitted to doubting whether it would “make any difference” but added that she would support it “even if it had a negative economic impact.” Connolly seized on those moments, accusing the Government of having “utterly failed” on direct provision.
For Gavin, the debate was a baptism of fire. As a political newcomer, he stumbled over words and sometimes left questions hanging, especially when pressed about foreign conflicts. But he also managed to land a few clear lines, insisting he was “not here to defend the Government” and portraying the presidency as above party politics. His delivery was uneven, but his presence showed more composure than many expected.
Connolly also faced tough questioning over her remark that Germany was revitalising its economy through military spending. She stuck by her point, broadening it into a critique of states where defence becomes an economic crutch. Once past that, she delivered some of the night’s sharpest critiques, with a confidence that set her apart.
There was no killer blow, but each candidate had tricky passages: Humphreys struggling with her government baggage, Gavin declaring immigration levels “unsustainable” — out of step with Fianna Fáil’s line — and Connolly hesitating on a timeline for a united Ireland. None collapsed under pressure, but none left unscathed either.
On balance, Connolly emerged as the most polished, particularly once she found her rhythm. Gavin exceeded expectations for a first-timer, even if his delivery needs work. Humphreys endured the hardest night, her Cabinet past proving a weight she couldn’t easily shake.
The campaign is still young, and this debate was about direction rather than destination. The coming encounters on RTÉ and The Week in Politics will show whether these impressions deepen or fade as the presidential race gathers pace.
