Gaza, housing, immigration and safety in Dublin were among the topics the three candidates took questions on during the first televised debate of the Presidential Election campaign.
Independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys took part in the Tonight Show Presidential Debate, moderated by broadcaster Kieran Cuddihy.
There was no knock-out blow in the first presidential TV debate, in which the candidates generally prioritised getting out their own message rather than trying to counter their opponents.
It was a wide-ranging encounter with subjects ranging from homelessness, to immigration, to the future of peacekeeping all up for discussion.
Ms Connolly, Mr Gavin and Ms Humphreys all experienced testing moments during the 80-minute show.
Afterwards, the three candidates declared that they were happy with their performance and looked forward to returning to the campaign trail.
During opening pitches, Ms Connolly said she is "asking for the privilege of serving you as the 10th President of Ireland and to proudly represent this wonderful country on the national and international stage".
Ms Humphreys said she wanted to bring her life experience to the role of president, saying she "can't promise perfection, but I will promise honesty, compassion and service".
Mr Gavin said he has served his country over the last four decades in many different roles, adding that his commitment is that he will be a president for every section of society and a voice for all.
'I would like to use my voice for peace' - Connolly
During discussions on Gaza, Ms Connolly said there is a need to allow the Palestinian people to decide what kind of country they want to see.
Mr Gavin said there is a long way to go before a Gaza peace deal and that currently there are just two states talking - the US and Israel.
Ms Humphreys also said "we have to stop the fighting", and when asked about the Occupied Territories Bill, she said she supported the bill and it was "right to stand up for the people of Palestine".
Housing crisis is 'anything but simple'
Asked about the state of housing, Mr Gavin said it is "simply not good enough", but also added that "the president can’t build houses".
He said that he will put a spotlight on housing if he is elected as president.
Ms Connolly said housing is a complex problem, which has been caused by neo-liberal ideology.
She said a radical reset in the Government's housing policy is needed.
Ms Humphreys said solving the housing crisis is "anything but simple".
She mentioned 3D printing of houses and new solutions that politicians should embrace to solve the housing crisis.
Tricolour a symbol of unity, says Humphreys
Speaking after flags were erected by some across the country in a move interpreted as expressing concern over immigration, all three candidates emphasised that the nation's flag should be a symbol of unity.
Ms Humphreys said the flag is about unity, and said it should not be used as a "symbol of division".
"I think we need to speak to people to let them understand that that is wrong, we do not want a divisive society. I want to try and bring unity," she said.
Asked whether the flags should be removed, Mr Gavin said he is a proud Republican and proud of the Irish tricolour, which he said is about inclusion.
He said that having served in the Defence Forces, he is "very precious about how the flag is used", adding he is "not for extremes, either the right or the left".
Ms Connolly said she believed a small, loud and vocal group of people were involved in erecting the flags for that reason, but she insisted it "does not reflect people in general, in Ireland who are very welcoming".
"I think we have to find a way to deal with this issue in a way that tries to acknowledge what is happening … the language of division and the language of saying the country is full is just abhorrent."
Closing remarks
During closing statements, Mr Gavin said as president, he would show up for people locally, nationally and internationally.
He said he would be a unifying force to bring people together.
Ms Humphreys said she loves this country, adding that she wants to reach out the hand of friendship and bring unity to communities.
She said that this is a country of opportunity and that she wants young people to grow up and know they can achieve their potential.
In her closing statement, Ms Connolly said as president she would "listen, reflect and engage" with people.
She said she would respect the country with "pride" and "integrity".
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As it happened: First TV debate
The three will be back for another debate soon, when RTÉ hosts a debate on The Week In Politics on Sunday 5 October.
There will be a further and final TV debate closer to polling day, when RTÉ's Prime Time holds its presidential special.
Polling day is set for Friday 24 October, with the count set to take place on the morning of Saturday 25 October and a result should be known by 9pm that night.
