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BROADCASTER VIRGIN MEDIA will not host any leaders’ debate this year during the general election.
Earlier this evening, it was confirmed that the election will take place on Friday 29 November.
In a statement this evening the broadcaster said its decision was due to “challenging market conditions and the government’s failure to financially recognise and support our public service content”.
Instead, the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have each been invited to take part in an hour-long interview to put their party’s position across to the electorate.
Colette Fitzpatrick will be in the interviewing chair for ‘The Big Interview’ which will broadcast each Wednesday at 10pm during the campaign.
Simon Harris is scheduled to appear in ‘The Big Interview’ on Wednesday 13th November, Mary Lou McDonald on Wednesday 20 November, and Micheál Martin on Wednesday 27 November.
Virgin Media said that despite the change to its usual election programming, it remains “fully committed to public service broadcasting”.
On count day, it will air a special extended news and analysis show. While in the run up, interviews with other party leaders and independents will also be held, in line with Coimisiún na Meán guidelines.
Last week, the broadcaster announced a reduction in its weekly output of The Tonight Show.
The Tonight Show is Virgin Media’s flagship current affairs programme and is co-hosted by Claire Brock and Ciara Doherty.
It is set to be reduced from four nights a week to two, in part due to a lack of financial support from the government.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has hit out at the broadcaster’s decision not to host a leaders’ debate.
TD Matt Carthy accused Virgin Media of playing into Fine Gael’s hands.
“Virgin Media have previously hosted debates during General Elections, and this decision appears to have no sound rationale,” he said.
“Fine Gael wants to avoid scrutiny and proper debate in this election. The decision by Virgin Media not to host a party leaders’ debate is playing into Fine Gael’s hands,” he said, urging the broadcaster to reconsider its decision.
A spokesperson for Virgin Media did not respond to Carthy’s comments.
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I do feel sorry for genuine asylum seekers but in reality the vast majority seem to be economic migrants. Also our appeal system is a joke it really needs to be updated 3 appeals and your out. I have a friend who was working in the immigration office in Dublin and has since left and the stories he told me are a joke
@Graham Light: does that justify burning their accommodation down, or…
@Paddington C.: No certainly not
@Paddington C.: Do you know what caused the fire ? Maybe wait until you find out ?
@Pl O’neill: Ya like that was an accident, how dare anyone speculate that this fire was started deliberately.
100 of them to moville, 100 to roosky, 100 to Wicklow and 80 to kenmare all in the space of 4 weeks. Also great tourist towns too! Shame! Why can’t Saudi Arabia take in refugees/asylum seekers! DP costs Ireland €68 million a year. We have to say now from now on.
@Donal: Yawn.
@Donal: Google UN Global compact for migration.
It’s the end of the nation state as we know it.
I used to detest Justin Barrett, but I’ll be voting for the National Party if given the opportunity next time out.
@Donal: Because our politicians keep saying yes to Europe.I would not like one of these centres near me.Let the snowflakes begin.
@Donal: My comment about the building program was removed.
@Donal: DP is very profitable for those running them.
@Patricia McCarthy: Let me guess, you weren’t all on board with the Journal’s progressive pro-immigration policy?
That champagne socialist president has plenty of space in the aras for them in dublin, near all the help they need.
@Adrian: Ssshhh. He is rather busy right now, reading his own poetry.
All for allowing genuine asylum seekers. Let them go through the process and if genuine allow them stay. Ban appeals process this is the biggest problem with our system.
In regards to the fire it does seem very suspicious indeed but it could be genuine also it is a wait and see.
@JesusMoreBullshit: can see this happening more,.
Strange that my comment about being robbed last night by two South American men was removed. I wasnt stating that all South American people are bad.
not a word about this on rte 12 noon news…..
No room at any of the Inn’s for Asia Bibi.
yea right, the place just spontaneously combusted.
It was petrol bombed
@Diar O Doc: Any confirmation on that?
have your say