Northern Ireland

UTV Election Debate – how they fared

Colum Eastwood, Steve Aiken, Michelle O'Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and Naomi Long took part in the UTV Election Debate. Picture by Kelvin Boyes
Colum Eastwood, Steve Aiken, Michelle O'Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and Naomi Long took part in the UTV Election Debate. Picture by Kelvin Boyes Colum Eastwood, Steve Aiken, Michelle O'Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and Naomi Long took part in the UTV Election Debate. Picture by Kelvin Boyes

:: Colum Eastwood (SDLP) – In a debate where the centre of gravity seemed several metres away across the studio floor, the SDLP leader appeared at times peripheral but did well to get his point across when required. He laboured the need for representation at Westminster, helping highlight the key difference with Sinn Féin. He was also strong on the need to create a consensus around tackling the health crisis. Rating: 7/10

:: Steve Aiken (Ulster Unionist) – Taking part in his first TV election debate as UUP leader, Mr Aiken was arguably the weakest participant in last night's programme. His main target was the DUP and how the party initially complied with plans for a regulatory border in the Irish Sea. He perhaps could have made more of the DUP's record on RHI and wasn't especially strong on the health element of the debate. Rating: 6/10

:: Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin) – Michelle O'Neill appeared much more assured and spontaneous than she has on previous television appearances. She engaged well in exchanges with other participants and her message was clear and uncomplicated – Brexit was bad, going to Westminster is pointless and Stormont needs reformed. Rating: 7/10

:: Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP) – While some observers believed the DUP's South Belfast candidate provided a opportunity for an embarrassing slip-up, she conducted herself confidently and professionally, resisting the temptation to snipe at others and instead stressing the value of her party's confidence and supply deal with the Tories. She did caution Steve Aiken for being "aggressive" when it could be argued the UUP leader was only entering into the combative spirit of a live debate. Rating: 8/10

:: Naomi Long (Alliance) – Naomi Long normally excels in these situations but last night seemed subdued or perhaps overshadowed by strong performances from the other participants. She made her points clearly and emphatically but perhaps we glimpsed a tired Alliance leader, who as well as being a candidate in East Belfast is also an MEP with a heavy workload. Rating: 7/10