Martin Wins 1st TV Debate

Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin was widely judged to have come out on top of the first televised leaders' debate of the election.

His opponent Eamon Gilmore, normally a formidable and combative speaker, failed to land a killer punch on the former minister during the debate on TV3.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny held true on his promise not to show up for the debate, and instead held a town hall style meeting with supporters in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

Most observers believed the debate between Martin and Gilmore was impressive, with both men showing a strong grasp of all the issues, particularly economics.

Amazingly, given that he has been at the cabinet table for more than a decade, it was Micheal Martin who managed to put his opponent on the back foot.

He accused Labour of chopping and changing their policies to match the public mood, leaving Eamon Gilmore defending his party's positions.

As the old adage goes, when you are explaining you are losing.

Mr Gilmore did score some points when he attacked Micheal Martin's record as health minister, saying the HSE was not something he should be boasting about.

It appeared Mr Gilmore had been advised to tone down his anger for the debate, as he came across more statesmanlike than hectoring.

The debate is not likely to make any significant impact on the election campaign, especially given Enda Kenny's decision not to turn up.

His town hall meeting was remarkable only for a ten minute tirade of abuse he suffered from an audience member, who turned out to be a (rather unfunny) practical joker, and not a real punter at all.

The five main party leaders were due to take part in a televised debate on RTE on Monday night this week, and a third debate between Martin, Kenny and Gilmore is planned for the last week of the campaign.