With almost no other option, the national broadcaster RTE decided to include Mary Lou McDonald in tonight’s leaders’ debate on Primetime.
Sinn Fein had argued that McDonald should be on the debate with Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar because Sinn Fein’s polls were even higher than Fine Gael and the same as Fianna Fail.
In a statement, RTÉ said: “RTÉ is very mindful it has a duty to the public to reflect events as they unfold.
“During the course of the campaign and over recent days RTÉ has taken into consideration the notable change in the dynamic of the campaign on the ground, and representation and statements by political parties.
“The dynamic has also been consistently reflected in all opinion polls since the campaign commenced.
“We now consider it necessary to amend our original approach, respond to the changes in the campaign, and continue to put the audience first in the making of Tuesday night’s programme,” said the statement.
Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar both said that they were happy that McDonald would be participating in tonight’s debate. Tune in to RTE One at 9:30pm to see whether or not there really will be fireworks as expected.
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