Conor Hunt reports on the influence of television debates on previous general elections. The report includes footage of the 1982 debate hosted by Brian Farrell of RTÉ featuring Charles Haughey of Fianna Fáil and Garret Fitzgerald of Fine Gael. The recent debate featuring Bertie Ahern of Fianna Fáil and Enda Kenny of Fine Gael is also shown.

The report is intercut with Conor Hunt in a TV studio explaining the rules of televised debates. He interviews Dr Eoin O'Malley of Dublin City University who explains the basics of TV debating.

In 2007 during a debate between the leaders of the smaller parties is also featured. Pat Rabbitte of the Labour Party calls Michael McDowell of the Progressive Democrats a "menopausal Paris Hilton". Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin also took part in this debate.

'Campaign Daily' was a series broadcast at noon each during the campaign in the run up to the General Election in Febuary 2011. The series was produced by RTÉ News. The report here is from the 'Campaign Daily' broadcast on 8 February 2011.

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