Election Diary: BBC debate the final set piece of a dull campaign

After a strikingly dull election campaign, tonight's BBC leaders debate presents one final opportunity for some sort of energy to enter the contest ahead of Thursday's vote.
Noel Thompson hosts the BBC debateNoel Thompson hosts the BBC debate
Noel Thompson hosts the BBC debate

Although the debate is the same length – an hour – as UTV’s leaders debate almost three weeks ago, tonight’s encounter will be significantly longer, and should be much freer-flowing, as it will not be interrupted by frequent advert breaks.

Tonight’s live debate, which begins at 8pm, will be chaired by veteran broadcaster Noel Thompson in front of an audience, and will involve the leaders of the five main parties – the DUP, Sinn Féin, UUP, SDLP and the Alliance Party.

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The debate will be followed by an analysis programme at 9pm which will also include the views of TUV leader Jim Allister, Ukip’s David McNarry and Green Party deputy leader Clare Bailey.

Politicians are fearing a low turnout on Thursday after a lacklustre campaign.

But there is some cheer for those chasing votes. Forecasters are predicting a dry, fine day across the Province, something which traditionally is thought to encourage a higher turnout.

• Tonight’s debate will be broadcast on BBC One NI at 8pm and will also go out live on the BBC News channel.

DUP fraudster present at election event

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A DUP fraudster, who admitted defrauding taxpayers of thousands of pounds via Stormont expenses, has appeared at a political debate in Foyle.

Bill Irwin, former DUP MLA Willie Hay’s office manager, was present at the event which featured the three unionist candidates – the DUP’s Gary Middleton, UUP’s Julia Kee and former DUP MLA Maurice Devenney, who is standing as an independent.

A source who was in the audience at the event on Friday night told the News Letter that Lord Hay was at the event with Mr Irwin, who is his brother-in-law.

The source said he believed that Mr Irwin – who used Stormont expenses to fill his personal oil tank – had appeared in support of Mr Middleton and that he believed the public appearance just weeks after Mr Irwin was in court was an attempt to ‘test the waters’ over whether he is acceptable in the party.

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When asked on Monday about the event, Lord Hay confirmed to the News Letter that Mr Irwin had been present at the event.

However, he insisted that they were there “entirely separately” and suggested that the DUP’s political opponents had been responsible for raising the issue.

Lord Hay also confirmed that Mr Irwin was no longer a member of the DUP in Foyle.

The peer said he was confident that Mr Middleton will hold the seat in Foyle.