Radio programme 'Tonight With Vincent Browne' relayed live the leaders' debate between Michael Noonan and Bertie Ahern.

The programme's panel of journalists, Declan Lynch, Katie Hannon and Tom McGurk, discussed the debate and all felt that Noonan was a clear winner.

Twenty three years after the first televised debate, it had become questionable as to how much, if any, influence the leaders' debate had on persuading people how to vote.

Copyright RTÉ. This material may not be replicated in any form or manner without the prior express permission of RTÉ. Any form of reproduction in print, television, video, multimedia, web site or other electronic media or any form of dissemination for commercial or non-commercial use must be licensed by the RTÉ Libraries and Archives.

If you wish to licence video or audio clips, still images or text, or would like further guidance please contact us.

RTÉ Libraries and Archives are committed to respecting the copyright of others and have attempted to source and credit the copyright owners of all material used here. RTÉ would like to hear from any copyright owners who are not properly identified here so that the necessary corrections can be made. If you feel your copyright has not been respected please contact us.