Presidential Election.

That precedes the war in Ukraine. I dont interpret what CC said as confined to arms for Israel. The US supplies 70% of Israeli arms imports, the UK 2% though it includes parts for the F35, and Germany was supply around 30%. Spain has announced an arms embargo and Germany and the UK has restricted arms exports recently.

I am leaning towards HH at the moment because I havent heard any policies from Gavin, and I prefer FFs greater openness to security cooperation.

Neutrality worked for Ireland in WW2 but we were a less tempting target then. We were practically a third world country. In contrast, Scandinavian countries were neutral and were over run. Denmark was taken without a shot being fired almost. The Dutch were neutral as was Belgium, and they were occupied anyway. Neutrality is not a magic bullet. It doesnt guarantee you won't be invaded.

Russia is doing it to try to conquer Ukraine.

How does CC expect Ukraine to defend itself without arms production?

Round 1 to CC : she was the most relaxed and natural speaking to camera.

Catherine Connolly was going to be my vote before this I admit...but she is really the only decent option I can see. Intelligent, has principles and is a strong experienced politician.

No idea what FF doing with picking Jim Gavin very little relevant experience and a pretty poor and stilted speaker, having to look at his notes already.

Heather...absolutely useless can't think on her feet at all. I am guessing she will repeat the same buzz words over and over and not be tripped up.

No evidence of the former, she is ranting on about the military-industrial complex.

How do you negotiate with Putin when he repeatedly refused to meet Zelensky? Premature negotiations will reward Putin for his aggression and the wanton destruction of a peaceful neighbour.

Gavin and HH made good point about how Russia is the aggressor, and without the German arms, thousands would have been killed a few days ago on the drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

CC is an effective speaker, but sophistry isn't really addressing the practicalities on Ukraine in my opinion.

Saying neutrality has an intrinsic value, as if it's a magic word that will end the war simply by fine words about it, is daft. But some will buy it.

Jim Gavin has been to the same media training as Micheal Martin clearly with the pointy fist thing...

Practically as you can say very little but our current president has spoke out incredibly and used his platform as best he can.