RTÉ HAS INVITED the three presidential candidates to participate in five different debates across radio and video platforms in the coming weeks.

The national broadcaster today confirmed that Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin and left-wing Independent candidate Catherine Connolly will all participate in a debate on The Week in Politics with Áine Lawlor this Sunday at midday.

The candidates have also been invited to participate in other appearances and debates including: 

• Live on-air debates on RTÉ Radio 1′s Drivetime, This Week and Morning Ireland on different dates between the 7 and 19  October. 
• A final major debate on Prime Time on Tuesday 21 October (three days before voters head to the polls). 
• A range of one-on-one interviews on RTÉ programmes including Six One News, Today with Claire Byrne and News at One with Rachael English. 
• A feature-length sit-down interview for a new programme The Katie Hannon Big Interview Live, on RTÉ One.

The first live debate aired on Virgin Media News on Monday 29 September, and it’s available to watch back on Virgin Media Player. 

Virgin Media News will also broadcast three sit down interviews with the candidates as part of its The Big Interview series with Colette Fitzpatrick asking the questions. 

Jim Gavin is the first up on 6 October at 10pm, with Catherine Connolly due to take the hot seat on 13 October at the same time, and Heather Humphreys appearing on the show on 20 October. 

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A special Tonight Show episode will follow each Big Interview which will feature expert analysis of each of the candidates’ performances.