Only eight of the 27 candidates will be allowed appear on the programme which begins at 10.35pm
TV debates are seen to play a larger part in deciding who gets elected and who does not. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos, and the sheer size of the constituencies, it is not logistically possible for candidates to employ traditional methods of canvassing.
The first of the three European election debates on RTÉ will take place tonight, at the very late hour of 10.35pm on the Upfront programme hosted by The European elections present a particular headache for TV debates. All three constituencies have more than 20 candidates, with the MNW having the most at 27. It would not be possible to host a meaningful debate featuring all candidates, so the national broadcaster has reduced the number to eight.
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