A remarkable leaders' debate

The televised debates between David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown have certainly proved a remarkable feature of the election campaign.  They have set a precedent for later general elections.  However, another important televised leaders’ debate has taken place this evening - in Northern Ireland.  In the second of two debates, the leaders of the Ulster Unionists, Democratic Unionists, SDLP and Sinn Fein have sat in a television studio – Gerry Adams sat next to Sir Reg Empey – to debate.  Those familiar with the history of Northern Ireland over the past thirty-five will appreciate just how remarkable, and positive, this event has been.  Though there is still some fragility in Northern Ireland politics, it is a major step forward, something that would have been considered impossible fifteen or twenty years’ ago.

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