Is Ireland About To Embrace Leader Debates, American Style?

As the start of the General Election 2011 approaches, it seems more likely than ever that there will be a leader's debate during the campaign.

Fresh from his election as leader of the Fianna Fáil party, Micheál Martin has declared his interest in partaking in such a debate with the leaders of both Fine Gael and the Labour party. During Martin's first press conference as leader, he said that the "traditional module of election debates is seriously flawed and must change".

"Specifically, I have asked them to agree to hold two

debates between us three, one at the start of the

campaign and one at the end.

In addition there would be a series of one-on-one debates

between us and a separate debate in the Irish language."

As expected, the smaller parties that would be excluded from such a debate are unhappy with such a scenario. Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin criticised the idea, saying: 'Once again we have a Fianna Fáil leader engaged in the politics of exclusion and only willing to debate with parties from the consensus for cuts.'

Mr. Martin's call comes days after it was revealed that Sky News have approached the leaders of the five main parties to televise a leaders debate, chaired by Adam Boulton. RTE, TV3 and TG4 are also said to be interested in holding such a debate, although they are said to still be considering their respective formats.

It is not yet known whether all parties involved would take up such an offer. However, both Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore have called for such debate to take place, so as it stands, it appears that the likelihood is that Ireland shall follow the UK's lead, and have the party leaders fight for the hearts and minds of the public through a televised forum.